SANDAKAN: With Malaysia’s international security assessment improving and confidence gradually recovering along Sabah’s East Coast, Tanjong Papat Assemblyman Alex Thien Ching Qiang has called on the state to seize the opportunity for a major international tourism push.
Speaking after the Sandakan Day Memorial Service on Aug 15, Thien engaged with diplomatic representatives including Australian High Commissioner Danielle Heinecke, New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner Julian Tollesttrup, and US Chargé d’Affaires David “Chip” Gamble, sharing views on Sabah’s maritime security, tourism, and international image.
Thien noted that security agencies have continuously strengthened monitoring and enforcement along the East Coast, particularly in areas previously affected by kidnapping incidents, with maritime patrols and border measures contributing to a gradual improvement in the overall security situation.
“As the security environment improves, Sabah must take a more proactive approach in showcasing the East Coast’s tourism potential to the international community,” Thien said, emphasising that the region offers world-class diving destinations, tropical rainforests, wildlife, river-based ecotourism, islands, and beaches.
He highlighted Sandakan and its surrounding areas as important gateways to the renowned Kinabatangan River ecosystem and Sukau river tourism area, while the coastal areas and islands offer significant potential for international diving and marine ecotourism.
“We should combine security improvements with tourism promotion. When the international community sees that our security environment has improved and, at the same time, sees the world-class natural attractions we have here, confidence in Sabah will naturally continue to grow,” he said.
Thien stressed that the government must maintain maritime surveillance and border enforcement, while turning tourism potential into real economic opportunities for local communities, adding that Sandakan has all the potential to become an important ecotourism gateway to Sabah’s East Coast. – James Leong
‘As the security environment improves, Sabah must take a more proactive approach in showcasing the East Coast’s tourism potential to the international community’ – Thien
