By PAUL MU
KOTA KINABALU: Alex Chong Vui Loong of Al Hakim has been elected chairman of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Sabah/Labuan Chapter for the 2026-2029 term following its Annual General Meeting.
The new committee comprises deputy chairman Noordin Sabtu (Nurnielamsari), honorary secretary Hirna Mohd Tahir (AIC Footprints), honorary treasurer Salviana Basil (Kims Borneo) and immediate past chairman Mohd Azlan Saleh Abd Salam.
Committee members are Raflan Alimuddin (Nhafirah), Nor Zahid Rahim (Zahra Adventure), Chai Chie Rong (Across Borneo), Lesley Hiew Soon Sang (Amazing Borneo) and Nuraishah Izzaty Ruslan (Hayu).
The committee aims to strengthen the tourism industry, enhance member engagement, build strategic partnerships and promote Sabah and Labuan as leading tourism destinations.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Alex thanked members for their confidence and support.
“It is a great honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading MATTA Sabah/Labuan Chapter for the next three years.
“Together with my committee, we are committed to strengthening unity among our members, creating more business opportunities, raising professional standards and fostering closer collaboration with government agencies and tourism stakeholders.
“As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, MATTA Sabah/Labuan will remain proactive in representing the interests of our members while contributing to the sustainable growth of Sabah and Labuan’s tourism industry,” he said.
During its three-year term, the committee will focus on strengthening member engagement and industry networking.
It also aims to create more domestic and international business opportunities through trade missions, travel fairs and business matching programmes.
Other priorities include promoting professional development and industry best practices.
The committee will work closely with federal and state tourism authorities, airlines, tourism associations and private sector stakeholders.
It will also support tourism campaigns and destination marketing initiatives to strengthen Sabah and Labuan’s position as leading travel destinations.
In addition, it will advocate policies that enhance the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the travel and tourism industry.
The chapter also thanked the outgoing committee, led by Azlan, for its dedication, leadership and contributions to MATTA Sabah/Labuan and the tourism industry.
As the new committee begins its three-year term, MATTA Sabah/Labuan reaffirmed its commitment to serving members with integrity and professionalism while working with stakeholders to create new opportunities for tourism growth in Sabah and Labuan.
‘As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, MATTA Sabah/Labuan will remain proactive in representing the interests of our members while contributing to the sustainable growth of Sabah and Labuan’s tourism industry’ – Alex
