By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Former chairman of the Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) has urged the government not to remove fuel subsidies for tourism-related transport.
Dato’ Seri Winston Liaw who had 36 years of experience in the tourism industry, said the move would directly increase the cost of tour packages, particularly in Sabah where the economy relies heavily on tourism.
He stressed that subsidies for petrol and diesel should be maintained for all tourism transport operators, including tour buses, boats and ferries.
“Any increase in fuel prices will have a direct impact on package costs and could affect demand,” he said.
He also called on the government to retain subsidised fuel rates for aircraft refuelling at major international airports such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
This, he said, would help attract more flight landings into Malaysia and support upcoming tourism campaigns, including Visit Malaysia 2026 and Sabah 2027
He added that such measures would encourage greater participation in the tourism industry and help draw foreign investment into the country.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said global oil supply disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts in Western Asia have increased operational costs for industry players involved in transport services.
Sabah’s tourism sector which relies heavily on air-connectivity and fuel consumption, is feeling the strain, he said at the recent State-level Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
He added that the State Government is awaiting further direction and intervention from the Federal Government.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to convene a meeting with Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers to discuss the next course of action.
Jafry said the situation would affect boat transport, land transport, and distribution within the tourism supply chain.
He added that his ministry is ready to provide the necessary data and input for discussions with the State Government.
Winston said any increase in fuel prices will have a direct impact on package costs and could affect demand.
