Goh (sixth left) at the launch of the torch relay for the 38th National Chinese Cultural Festival (38th NCCF) in Semporna.
SEMPORNA: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) President Tan Sri T C Goh urged the Government to pay more attention to the development of the tourism sector in Semporna which is internationally renowned for its islands.
He proposed to the Government to consider setting up a tourism office in the district to better cater to the increasing number of tourists, following the post-Covid-19 domestic tourism recovery.
He also called on the Government to take measures to resolve the pressing issue of constant power outages and water supply disruptions affecting hotels and businesses in the district. He stressed that this is necessary and crucial towards safeguarding the image of the country’s tourism industry, especially since Semporna is internationally renowned for its island resorts and diving destinations.
Goh, who is also President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), said this at the launch of the torch relay for the 38th National Chinese Cultural Festival (38th NCCF) here, last weekend. Also present were Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Datuk Peter Gan, his Deputy and Organising Chairman for the 38th NCCF Semporna leg’s torch relay Dr Chau Tet Long and FCAS Deputy President and Organising Chairman of 38th NCCF Datuk Susan Wong, among others.
Goh pointed out that before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Semporna received an average of 4,000 domestic and international tourists daily. This undoubtedly makes it one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
Following the reopening of our international borders, post Covid-19, the tourism sector of Semporna too is fast recovering where it receives 1,500 to 1,800 domestic and international tourists daily. Semporna is also a key tourist destination that is being actively promoted by the Government.
“Tourist arrival in Semporna has now bounced back to almost half of the pre-pandemic figure. Hence, such basic amenities issues like constant water and power supply disruption should be seriously and effectively dealt with,” he stressed.
He also proposed to the Government to consider setting up a Tourism Board branch office in Semporna to better assist the tourism operators and the tourists to tackle various issues facing them.
He noted the Semporna tourism sector is currently relying on the Tawau Tourism Office when it comes to dealing with matters concerning the sector. He opined that if Semporna has its own tourism office, it would be more convenient for the tourism operators in the district.
Meanwhile, he also noted that the Semporna leg of the 38th NCCF torch relay hosted by the Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce successfully raised RM64,000 for SJK (C) Nyuk Hwa Semporna. The money was later handed over to the Treasurer of the School Board, Yee Khen Yu.
