KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s tourism industry recorded 2.46 million arrivals from January to August 2025, a 17.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She said this comprised 1,029,864 international arrivals and 1,426,548 domestic arrivals — achieving 70.2 per cent of the 3.5 million target set for 2025.
“I am confident we will reach the target by December 31. Tourism receipts are estimated at RM5.75 billion, reflecting a 17.7 per cent increase compared to 2024,” Liew told reporters after inspecting the new Double-decker Hop-On, Hop-Off City Bus service here today.
Sabah is currently connected to 14 international destinations with 125 weekly flights and 22,732 seats, said Liew.
According to the Sabah Tourism Board, key markets showing growth include China, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and the UK.
Describing the new sightseeing bus as a fresh tourism product for Sabah, Liew said the Ministry and STB fully support the initiative.
She recalled being inspired by London’s double-decker tour buses during the World Travel Market in 2023 and congratulated the operator, KK Hop-On, Hop-Off Sdn Bhd, for bringing the concept to fruition.
“The service is expected to be popular among international and domestic tourists. We may also expand it to Kinabalu Park, Kota Belud and other destinations,” she said, while commending Kota Kinabalu City Hall for keeping the city clean.
Company chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the service, first mooted by Liew two years ago, faced challenges in securing permits and constructing the buses in Kuala Lumpur before shipping them to Sabah.
Currently, two double-decker buses are operating, with plans to add another as infrastructure and traffic flow improve.
