
News

China extends visa to 30 days for M’sian tourists
China has agreed to extend the visa exemption for Malaysian tourists from 15 to 30 days. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during the 50th-anniversary celebration of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China in Beijing. During a meeting with Premier Li Qiang, Ahmad Zahid proposed the extension, highlighting that…

Sabah favourite destination for Chinese
Sabah continues to be a sought-after destination for Chinese visitors. “Our tourism figures recorded a total of 776,845 visitors to Sabah from January to March this year. Of this figure, 321,184 were international visitors of which 116,922 were Chinese visitors. “This is indeed a positive sign and we are happy to welcome more China visitors…

Sabah provides update on east coast’s security measures
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) held engagement with countries that issued travel advisory against visiting the east coast of Sabah. Its Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai chaired the engagement in Kuala Lumpur on May 20 to update the embassies on the security measures. Among those in attendance were European Union Deputy Head of Delegation Timo Goosman,…

Promote dragon boat race to tourists
Local tour operators have been asked to help promote the upcoming 9th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2024, which will be held at Likas Bay from June 7 to 9. Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew urged tour operators to bring their clients and guests to watch the race. Liew stated that…

Sabah welcomes encouraging numbers of visitors in first-quarter 2024
Sabah recorded a total of 776,845 tourist arrivals during the first three months of this year. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said this encouraging figure marked an increase of 32.8 percent compared to the same period in 2023 (584,927). The breakdown is as follows:a. International Tourists: 321,184 (+93.2 per cent)b. Domestic Tourists/Visitors:…

Book tour packages with licence operators
All tourists to Sabah are advised to book their tour packages with Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) registered tour operators. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew issued the call following a drowning case at Mengalum Snorkelling Point on May 11, involved a 34-year-old Chinese tourist, Zhang Tian Long. “It is understood that…

Sabah to entice tourists from Central Asia
Sabah Tourism Board, in collaboration with Batik Air and Fun Holiday, hosted a dedicated roadshow in Uzbekistan, captivating the interest of Uzbekistan tourists who are seeking new Muslim-friendly destinations. The roadshow, which took place in the historic cities of Samarkand and Tashkent on April 23rd and 25th, 2024, garnered remarkable attendance with 250 enthusiastic participants…

Sabah to host 10 MICE events within this year
Sabah is gearing up for 10 MICE events this year, including the International Wholistic Wellness Conference and Expo (IWWCE 2024) and the 42nd Conference of the Asean Federation of Engineering Organisations (Cafeo 42). Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew highlighted the significance of business tourism in driving economic growth, emphasizing the role of…

Sabah successfully initiated pangolin conservation efforts
The Sabah Wildlife Department, in collaboration with key local conservation groups has successfully held its pangolin conservation initiatives across Sabah. This series of impactful projects has strengthened the protection of pangolins, which are classified as Schedule 1 “totally protected species” under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. “Pangolins are endangered species and protecting them is…

STB provides help to injured tourist
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment through its agency Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is following up on the paragliding accident involving a Chinese tourist Xue Dong Yuan, 64, in Lohan, Ranau on April 22. “I have instructed STB to follow up on the case on what needs to be done,” its Minister Datuk Christina…