Call to create new tourism products in Kinabatangan
KOTA KINABALU: Umno Kinabatangan Youth is inviting state tourism players, especially those operating in Kinabatangan, to explore new ideas and create tourism products.
This would ensure that Sabah continues to be a preferred destination for tourists from within and outside the country, the movement’s chief Mohd Kurniawan Naim Bung Moktar said.
Mohd Kurniawan said that this initiative is necessary to prepare the state’s tourism sector to receive the expected huge arrival of tourists, which would undoubtedly boost the state’s economy and benefit the people as the tourism sector is one of the state’s main sources of income.
“The tourism industry is the second most important economic source for the state The Kinabatangan district has great potential and already possesses existing tourism products such as activities like exploring the Kinabatangan River to see fireflies, local culture, and more.
“Additionally, there are many other tourism products that can be explored, including organising sports activities such as boat races and others,” he said during the opening of the 15hp Boat Race in Kampung Abai, Sukau recently.
According to Mohd Kurniawan, who is also Tourism Malaysia’s board member, the boat race could be organized on a larger scale in the future by inviting participation from residents in other districts.
Collaborating with other organizations to encourage more participants, can attract tourists to the area, he said.
Mohd Kurniawan, who is also the national Umno Youth’s treasurer added that the local community should also venture into the various segments in the tourism sector such as providing food and offering accommodations by operating homestays.
He also urged the government to improve the quality of basic facilities in the area, especially road infrastructure, water and electricity supply.
“These basic facilities are crucial for the tourism sector to thrive in this area. Tourists won’t come if our roads are difficult to pass due to damage, and if water and electricity supplies are unstable. The imperfections in these basic facilities will hinder our efforts to develop and advance the tourism sector in this area for sustainable progress,” he said.