Thanks for aid but keep it coming, Sabah tourism players tell state govt

 

With tourism being a major contributor to the state and nation, stakeholders say they should receive a bigger share from any available funds.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah tourism players have welcomed the state’s Bantuan Prihatin Sabah (BPS) 3.0 but hoped the government will continue to help the industry through other initiatives.

Sabah Tourism Federation (STF) president Tonny Chew hoped those working in the tourism sector such as hotel frontliners and others would be prioritised in the state’s immunisation drive.

He said the war against Covid-19 is a long way from over, pointing out the industry needed all the help they can get from the authorities.

“The tourism industry was one of the major contributors to the nation’s economy before the pandemic and will no doubt continue to serve such a role post-pandemic,” he said, in a statement here today.

“It is only apt that the next time around, tourism stakeholders receive a bigger share from any available funds in order to help us get back on our feet quicker and return stronger.”

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sabah chapter chairman Lawrence Chin also urged the Sabah government to fast track the vaccination programme for Sabah tourism workers and frontliners.

He said this will help pave the way to a quicker re-opening of borders for both domestic and international markets.

Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor yesterday announced that over RM154 million will be spent under the BPS 3.0. All segments of the tourism industry will receive a combined total of RM2,879,500.

The funds would be distributed to 3,325 recipients, comprising tour guides, art practitioners, dive masters, mountain guides, porters, hotel and lodging operators as well as tour operators and homestay associations.

Meanwhile, national Matta president Tan Kok Liang urged the federal tourism ministry and other states to emulate the efforts of the Sabah government in giving aid to the tourism sector in the state.

“Matta together with other stakeholders is scheduled to meet the Sabah chief minister soon as public-private sector engagements are needed to craft out more aggressive strategies to revitalise the industry, which is a key pillar of the Sabah economy,” he said. - FMT

✍ Credit given to the original owner of this post : ☕ Malaysians Must Know the TRUTH

🌐 Hit This Link To Find Out More On Their Articles...🏄🏻‍♀️ Enjoy Surfing!