KKIA to have permanent space for Sabah products
KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu International Airport's (KKIA's) 'Sense of Malaysia' will be a permanent home for truly Sabah products from the second quarter or onwards of 2020.
Assistant Trade and Industry minister Azhar Matussin lauded the establishment of the space in KKIA as it simultaneously gives travelers access to local goodies and provides an avenue for businesses to showcase their products.
"I also welcome the proposal of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to establish a permanent space at KKIA specifically to house Truly Sabah Products, which I understand will be called Sense of Malaysia, where similar concepts have been implemented at several other airports in Peninsular Malaysia," said Azhar.
He said the spaces will be located at the departure meet and greet area of KKIA and areas between the immigration checking counters and passenger holding room areas.
"This initiative is commendable because it not only diversifies the choice of goods for tourists and enhances the image and position of local small business products but also, such a space will be able to showcase the state's identity to the new arrivals in this state," he added during the launch of Taste of Sabah Bazaar at KKIA here yesterday.
Azhar said Sabah products have its own potentials as some of them have penetrated through the export market from Asia, Middle East, Europe, Oceania to Central Asia.
He added, in regards to this, the Chief Minister has suggested that the promotion of local products be done at the main gates of tourism influx in the state.
"Heeding this call, the initiative of organizing the Taste of Sabah Bazaar program was realized at KKIA as a platform to further introduce local products to visitors to the state," said Azhar.
The assistant minister said the program started on December 16, 2019 and will end on January 31.
He added the inaugural program consists of more than 33 stalls that showcases various products such as food and beverage, beading and embroidery handicrafts, women's accessories, Sabah Batik, and health and beauty products.
"It is the ministry's hope that such programs will not only facilitate the marketing of local products, but also help to increase consumer confidence in local brands as well as promote SME activities based on natural resources in the state," said Azhar.