SEMPORNA: Semporna will have 202 new chalets as part of a joint chalet development project between Sabah Urban Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (SUDC) and Borneo Semporna Resort, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
The first phase would see chalets being built in various sizes equipped with facilities such as restaurants, swimming pools and lobbies, on 41.44 acres of sea.
“This project can not only develop tourism activities in Semporna but also provide significant economic benefits for the local community.
“With the development of the Borneo Semporna Resort, it is enough to prove the investors’ confidence in the recovery of the State’s tourism sector, especially in Semporna,” she said when speaking at the groundbreaking.
She hoped the project would not only benefit investors, but also yield positive impact on the surrounding community’s wellbeing.
“It is the hope of the State Government to see positive and sustainable results and developments from this project.
“I am sure that this project is able to provide better added value to the surrounding community, especially in terms of improving the economic status and quality of life of the people through the existence of job opportunities,” she added.
Also present were SUDC Chairman Jamawi Jaafar, Borneo Semporna Resort Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Dr Tang Yong Chew and District Officer Alexander Liew.
Meanwhile, Liew said Semporna needs to be aggressively promoted in view of being the gateway to world renowned dive spots such as Sipadan Island.
“It is imperative that the Government upgrade basic facilities (water and electricity supply) here and road infrastructure leading to the district from Tawau, not forgetting the need to beef up security for the safety of both domestic and international tourists.
“We must showcase Semporna’s unique culture to the world, characterised by exotic traditional costumes and dances. To lure more outside visitors to witness future regattas, it is vital to boost travellers’ confidence,” she said, at the closing of the 28th Regatta Lepa Semporna on Saturday night.
“I will bring Semporna’s pressing tourism needs to the attention of the Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), Dato’ Seri Tiong King Sing.”
Liew disclosed that as of September, this year, Sabah achieved 85.6pc of the target to reach 2.2 million visitor arrivals for 2023.
Citing statistics from the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Statistics Division, she said from January to September this year, Sabah received 1,883,794 visitor arrivals.
“This is an increase of 58.2pc against the same period in 2022. This increase is attributed to improved air connectivity to Sabah and marketing campaigns by the STB,” Liew said.
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