Continue heroes’ legacies by upholding tourism industry – Masidi

SANDAKAN: The best way to remember the mountain guides killed in the earthquake is to continue their legacies by upholding our tourism industry, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.

He said this was one of the ways we could appreciate those heroes who had perished to save climbers during the recent quake on Mount Kinabalu.

“These perished mountain guides have proven to us that they did their very best to care for the safety of every climber during the incident.

“And one of the ways to appreciate their efforts is we need to work harder to improve our tourism industry,” he said to reporters after the launching ceremony of ‘Colour of Sandakan’ program at Harbour Mall Piazza yesterday.

The “Colours of Sandakan” is to showcase tourism in the heart of Sandakan city and to create awareness on the cultures and heritage of Sandakan to all local and foreign tourists.

In addition it serves to highlight the traditional handicraft bazaar and well choreographed Sabah cultural dance performances.

During the four-day program, hoteliers and restaurant operators are taking part in a food bazaar and cooking demonstrations, and travel agencies will pitch in by having a mini local travel fair with special offers for their tour packages.

In other development, Masidi advised tourism industry players in Sandakan to be creative in promoting Sandakan, not only for its best known rehabilitation of endangered species such as the Orangutan and Sun Bear but for its fresh and best seafood. Masidi believes the recent abduction case will not cripple the tourism industry in Sandakan as such case could also happen in other parts of the world.

Also present at the ceremony were Elopura assemblyman Datuk Au Kam Wah, Sandakan Tourism Association president Johnny Lim, Sandakan Municipal Council president Datuk Ir James Wong and Sabah Tourism Board general manager Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks.