KOTA KINABALU: SEAC is in full agreement with the advice of Tourism Minister Datuk Tiong King Sing not to pass unnecessary or unwelcome remarks to Chinese tourists when they start to return to Malaysia.
Tan Sri David Chu
the Sabah Economic Advisory Council in a statement said China will open her borders and Chinese citizens will be able to travel freely, including to foreign countries commencing on 8th January 2023.
He shared, with the pent-up demand for travel, Malaysia which was a popular destination for Chinese, can expect a major influx in the near future.
Most countries, including Malaysia and Singapore, have adopted the requirement for Chinese visitors to provide evidence of “covid negative” test results taken within 48 hours prior to arrival in accordance to the recommendation of World Health Organization.
On 31 December 2022, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun has announced a similar entry condition for Sabah starting from 1 January 2023.
Like all countries, China wants a fair treatment for her citizens traveling abroad. Any unfavourable profiling would be deemed unacceptable.
“Hence Datuk Tiong’s caution is especially pertinent as Chinese tourists are a major source of revenue for Malaysia.”
” In addition, China is Malaysia’s biggest trading partner and largest source of investment for manufacturing,” he stated.
With the expected return of Chinese tourists, SEAC would like to urge all tourism stakeholders to endeavour their best to give a warm welcome back to the Chinese tourists for several reasons.
They can assist to expedite the recovery of Sabah’s tourism and economy. The Chinese tourists made up more than 50% of Sabah’s total arrivals before the imposition of MCO.
They have contributed an overwhelming portion of Sabah’s RM8 billion tourism receipt and have generated considerable employment business opportunities for Sabahans.
There were more than 1oo flights per week. Equally important for Sabah’s future, Some China State Enterprise Organisations, a provincial government and private enterprises have already shown substantial interest in investment in steel manufacturing, CPO, a regional logistic hub for e commerce and Sabah MM2H.
There are plenty of opportunities for China to be Sabah’s largest trading partners and source of investment soon.-pr/BNN
