China, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines contributed 586,501 arrivals to Sabah as of August this year, which is the highest number, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The increasing number of visitors from these four countries is expected to continue until the year-end.
“Looking at the records from the Immigration Department, in 2023, visitors from these four countries reached 427,077.
“By offering a streamlined and organised entry and pass application process, the government has created a business-friendly environment to attract more visitors and tourists.
“This further boosts investors’ confidence in Sabah’s capability to support sustainable economic growth,” he said during the Immigration Department’s ‘Serumpun Kasih Seluhur Budi’ appreciation ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Wednesday.
He also highlighted that the vast area of Sabah, spanning over 72,000 square kilometres with 11 entry points, posed a challenge for immigration officers.
“The opening of Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital, calls for enhanced cross-border security between Sabah and Kalimantan,” he said.
The state government approved the construction of two Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) complexes in Sabah, namely ICQS Bantul and ICQS Serudong, last year.
