SANDAKAN: Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong said the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry should strengthen the development of Sandakan’s tourism industry and not allow airlines to only give priority to direct flights to Kota Kinabalu and Tawau.
He added that Kota Kinabalu and Tawau are indeed popular among foreign tourists, especially China, but airlines should also offer direct flights to Sandakan.
“This will not only make it easier for tourists and citizens but also help spur Sandakan’s development,” he said.
He said the State Government and the ministry should take the initiative to attract more foreign tourists to explore tourism hotspots in the district.
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He said Sandakan can be categorised as one of the interesting districts in the State and one of the best places in the field of tourism, nature conservation and fresh and tasty seafood.
Thus, he added, the State Government and tourism-related parties in Sabah should pay attention to Sandakan’s potential so that it can be better known to the world stage.
“This district should not be left behind in this regard. It is important for the government and those concerned to discuss the issue with the airlines soon for the development of Sandakan,” he said.
“It would be good if the State Government could allocate funds to help Sandakan as well as other districts that are less developed,” he said.
Meanwhile, in another development, he said the Sandakan community is now dealing with various problems such as the issue of salty water and water supply that was often interrupted.
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