Kota Kinabalu: The State Government will be looking into a compromise for locals regarding the entry fees into Sabah Parks attractions which have garnered conflicted views.
This came after the announcement of the literal hike in the Mount Kinabalu climbing fees and, more recently, the entrance fee to the Poring Hot Springs.
Netizens were divided on the issue, with some seeing it as necessary for upkeep in the revival of tourism, and others viewing it as an unjust taxation upon children of the land.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said locals especially should not view the hikes by percentage.
“Sometimes, from RM5 they increase to RM15. It’s only RM10 more but they will say it’s a 300 per cent hike.
“Tourists come all the way here to see Sabah’s natural beauty and I don’t think they mind a RM10 increment.
“If you convert it into percentage, of course it looks very big and then some will complain the sudden increase.
“We have made a compromise for tourists as well where travel package tickets sold before January 1 will be according to the old rates,” she said.
Christina said this was after considering tourism players like Matta (Malaysian Tour and Travel Agents) have appealed to her Ministry.
She confirmed that the new rates, implemented during her predecessor Datuk Jafry Ariffin’s time, are now in effect.
“We are still working on the compromise in rates for locals. Give us some time, this is only my second week,” she said when met after the Society of Hope Sabah fundraising dinner at Hakka Hall, on Friday.
Its President Josephine Hadikusumo said the event was to raise RM300,000 for 10,000 schoolbags for students in the B40 group in the State’s rural areas.
“Tonight is only the beginning of something bigger. If we cannot do it in 2023, we will continue and strive to meet the goal next year. We hope to be able to work with more government agencies and private sectors especially because all proceeds are tax exempted.
“I encourage those in the private sector who have not adopted an NGO to consider the Society of Hope Sabah,” she said.
Existing for 16 years since its establishment in 2017, the NGO has focused on less fortunate children where 3,600 units of powdered milk and 10,000 stationary items have been donated across 20 Sabah districts.
The Society of Hope Sabah was registered in 2021 as a charitable organisation by the Inland Revenue Board and every ringgit in donations to it is exempted from tax.
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