Ensure smooth travel for China tourists, Sabah tour operators told

KOTA KINABALU: Tour operators in Sabah are urged to adhere to safety regulations to ensure smooth travel for tourists from China who will be visiting Malaysia during their weeklong National Day holiday.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Min said they must think long-term instead of just looking at the money they can earn now as the Chinese nationals enjoy taking a break in Sabah.

“They will definitely keep coming back for many more years as they enjoy our seas, mountains and blue skies,” he said.

Pang added that the state did not wish to see a recurrence of the January tragedy, where a catamaran carrying 28 Chinese tourists and three crewmem capsized after departing from an illegal jetty in Tanjung Aru near here.

Four Chinese tourists died in the incident, while five others, includ- ing a local crew member, remain missing.

He also called for the state security forces, especially the maritime enforcement agency, to be extra vigilant this week.

He said Chinese tourists have been coming to Sabah in droves in recent years because of amicable diplomatic ties and collaboration between tour agencies in both countries.

“Their choice of activities here are mostly island hopping, shopping as well as sightseeing near the mountains,” he said.

He said the tourists’ behaviour has improved over the years, adding that China has also constantly educated their citizens on how to behave when visiting another country.