SANDAKAN: Libaran Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaimi Haji Nasir has called for the immediate establishment of direct international flights to Sandakan to boost the tourism industry and the local economy in Sabah’s east coast.
He stated that Sandakan is well-known as an eco-tourism destination, featuring major attractions such as the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Gomantong Caves, marine life islands, and tropical rainforests that are global treasures.
“I was very interested in the speech by Sabah’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, who mentioned that Sandakan is entirely based on eco-tourism products. Next year, we will also celebrate Visit Malaysia Year 2026. However, it is unfortunate that Sandakan has not been prioritized since the beginning of this year to be strengthened as a tourism hub,” he said.
Suhaimi, who is also a Sabah State Nominated Assemblyman, raised this issue during his intervention in the winding-up session of the Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment at the First Meeting of the Fifth Term of the 16th Sabah State Legislative Assembly.
The Sabah UMNO Information Chief also emphasised that Sandakan’s main weakness is its limited flight connectivity, with flights from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan still being too few.
“There are only two flights daily from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan, even though nearly half of the passengers on these flights are tourists.
“More worryingly, Sandakan still does not have direct international flights, making it difficult for foreign tourists to enter.
“In 2018, Sandakan was already allocated for direct international flights, but until now, this has not been realised. I would like to know what plans the State Government and the Ministry have to ensure this becomes a reality,” he stressed.
Suhaimi added that introducing direct international flights to Sandakan is crucial as it would not only open up broader international tourism markets but also boost economic opportunities for locals in Sabah’s east coast.
“Sandakan must be made the main entry point for tourists to Sabah’s east coast. I urge the State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, along with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia, to take immediate action to ensure direct international flights to Sandakan can be established in the near future,” he said. – James Leong
