More immigration counters needed at Tawau Airport

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew has brought the pressing need for more immigration counters to the attention of the Tawau Airport Management.

She made the move in the wake of complaints received from passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur recently that they were “stranded” at the airport as only two of the eight counters were opened or manned by immigration personnel at the time.

“I have discussed the matter in question with the Tawau Airport manager (Hasbi Mohd Said) together with the Sabah Tourism Board general manager (Suzaini Datuk Sabdin Ghani).

“To avoid any inconvenience, we hope that more counters will be manned to facilitate the clearance of passengers, especially foreign tourists,” said Christina who is also Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment and Tawau MP.

On December 28, 2018, affected passengers and members of the public sent their complaints to the Minister via Whatsapp and short messaging service (SMS) text.

According to them, they had to wait for their turns for a long time at the arrival hall before making their exit from the terminal building.

Hasbi said he would provide Christina with information pertaining to the required number of arrival and departure counters at the Tawau Airport.

On the same note, Christina reminded Tawau tourism players and those in the hospitality industry to upgrade their facilities and services, and improve logistics for the convenience of tourists.

“Come Chinese New Year, tourists from China in particular will be coming in droves on charter flights. I can foresee the long queues at the airport if only a few counters are opened for immigration clearance,” said a concerned Christina.

“Equally important is the need to maintain toilet cleanliness at all times as the first impression is always lasting,” she added.