KOTA KINABALU: April 28, 2026
The Sabah government should ensure a balanced tourism strategy that does not overly prioritise international arrivals at the expense of domestic travellers, Silam Assemblyman Datuk Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal said.
He said while Sabah is targeting more than four million tourist arrivals in line with Visit Malaysia 2026, greater attention must be given to the role of domestic tourists and local residents in sustaining the tourism economy.
“Are we merely chasing foreign tourist numbers while neglecting domestic visitors and locals, who are key contributors to small businesses and the grassroots economy?” he asked when debating the Sabah government’s policy speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
Yusof also raised concerns over rising hotel accommodation rates in Sabah, saying many establishments are pricing rooms based on foreign tourist markets, making them less affordable for Malaysians.
He said the situation is unfair to domestic travellers, who play a crucial role in supporting local traders and small-scale tourism operators.
He proposed that the government consider introducing a two-tier pricing mechanism, with separate rates for domestic and international tourists, or at least provide special discounts for Malaysian citizens.
On regional tourism development, Yusof highlighted the growing importance of Lahad Datu as a destination for both nature-based and maritime tourism.
He said the district has increasingly attracted international visitors, particularly as a gateway to key eco-tourism sites such as Danum Valley and Tabin, as well as diving locations.
However, he stressed that infrastructure improvements, particularly at Lahad Datu Airport, must be prioritised to support further growth.
“Despite increasing passenger movements — from about 121,000 in 2022 to more than 165,000 in 2025 — the airport remains largely unchanged,” he said.
Yusof noted that although airport development falls under federal jurisdiction, the state government should actively push for the project to be prioritised.
He said upgrading the airport would allow for larger aircraft operations, leading to more competitive airfares and improved accessibility for both domestic and international tourists.
He added that improved air connectivity would also benefit the district’s palm oil industry by facilitating logistics and business activities.
Yusof stressed that the proposed upgrade is not merely desirable but essential to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods in Lahad Datu.
