THE RM935 million allocation for the tourism sector under Budget 2027 is expected to boost Sabah’s tourism industry ahead of Visit Sabah Year next year.
State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal said the allocation would benefit the state’s tourism, culture and environment sectors.
“I welcome the budget allocation announced by the Prime Minister on Friday, as we see it as a positive boost, particularly for Sabah, given that next year will be Visit Sabah Year.
“We hope the allocation can be fully utilised to attract more tourists to our state,” he told reporters after officiating at the presentation of appointment letters to PGRS Kalabakan division committee members here, Saturday.
Dr Andi said Sabah remained on track to achieve its target of four million tourist arrivals this year, with arrivals recording growth of about four per cent.
He hoped that the increased allocation would further strengthen the tourism industry and attract more visitors to the state.
He added that local communities, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), were also expected to benefit economically from the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals.
On the RM10,000 tax relief announced for Labuan and Langkawi, Dr Andi said he did not expect the measure to have a significant direct impact on tourist arrivals in Sabah.
He said Sabah had its own unique attractions, including beaches, islands and mountainous landscapes, which continued to make it an appealing destination.
However, he noted that economic growth in Labuan could indirectly benefit Sabah through positive spillover effects following the introduction of the tax relief.
