SEMPORNA: Tan Sri T.C Goh, President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) has urged the government to pay more attention to the development of the tourism sector in Semporna District which is internationally-renowned for its islands.
He especially proposed the government to consider setting up a tourism office there to better cater to the increasing number of tourists, following the recovery of domestic tourism, post Covid-19.
He also called on the government to take measures to resolve the pressing issue of constant power outage and water supply disruption affecting hotels and businesses in the district. He stressed that this is necessary and crucial towards safeguarding the image of our tourism industry, especially since Semporna is internationally-renowned for its island resorts and diving destinations.
Goh who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) said this while speaking at the launching of the torch relay for the 38th National Chinese Cultural Festival (38th NCCF), here, over the weekend. Also in attendance were, Datuk Peter Gan, President of Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce, his deputy cum Organising Chairman for the 38th NCCF Semporna leg’s torch relay *Dr Chau Tet Long,* Datuk Susan Wong, FCAS Deputy President cum Organising Chairman of 38th NCCF, among others.
Goh pointed out that, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Semporna received an average of 4,000 domestic and international tourists, daily. This undoubtedly makes it one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
Following the reopening of our international borders, post Covid-19, the tourism sector of Semporna too is fast recovering, where it receives between 1,500 to 1,800 domestic and international tourists, daily. Semporna is also a key tourist destination that is being actively promoted by the government.
“Tourist arrival in Semporna has now bounced back to almost half of the pre-pandemic figure. Hence, such basic amenities issues like constant water and power supply disruption should be seriously and effectively dealt with,” he stressed.
He also proposed the government to consider setting up a branch office of the Tourism Board there, to better assist the tourism operators and the tourists to tackle various issues facing them.
He noted that, currently the Semporna tourism sector is relying on the Tawau Tourism Office when it comes to deal with matters concerning the sector. He opined that if Semporna has its own Tourism Office, it would be more convenient for the tourism operators there.
Meanwhile, he also noted that the Semporna leg of 38th NCCF torch relay hosted by Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce successfully raised RM64,000 for SJK (C.) Nyuk Hwa Semporna. The money was later handed over to the Treasurer of the School Board, Yee Khen Yu.-pr/BNN
