KOTA KINABALU: The State Government is targeting 3.5 million tourist arrivals in Sabah this year, said Head of State Tun Musa Aman in his policy address at the Fifth Session of the 16th Sabah Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
He said proactive efforts will be intensified, including promoting tourism products, enhancing airline collaboration, expanding direct flight routes, and organising key events supporting Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Among the measures highlighted were improving transportation infrastructure to tourist destinations and ensuring cleanliness, especially in coastal areas and public restrooms under local authorities.
Musa noted that Sabah recorded 3.1 million tourist arrivals in 2024—a 20.4% increase from the previous year—with estimated spending of RM7.28 billion, driven by new international direct flights.
He also welcomed the RM572.3 million federal allocation to upgrade KKIA and Tawau Airport and announced plans to nominate Tun Mustapha Park for the IUCN Green List under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
