High-speed Internet at tourist hubs key to promoting VM2026, say tourism players

The Star

01-05-2025

SANDAKAN: Sepilok, a well-known eco-tourism destination in Sandakan, continues to attract visitors to its orangutan rehabilitation centre and rainforest attractions and as preparations intensify for Visit Malaysia Year (VM) 2026, tourism operators and local authorities have highlighted the need to improve Internet connectivity to better support visitor experiences and daily operations.
The Elopura Hotel Sandakan operator Datuk Md Afendi Hamdan said high-speed Internet coverage would enable touritsts to share their experiences online, which could help promote local attractions and the country as a whole.
"When tourists update their social media, it indirectly contributes to tourism promotion efforts and supports VM2026. That is why we need fast Internet access in key areas like Sepilok," he told Bernama.
He added that Sepilok receives about two million visitors annually, with the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) alone drawing around 70,000 visitors a month, the majority of whom are foreign tourists.
Located about 23km from Sandakan town, RDC is situated near the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sunbear Conservation Centre.
On April 26, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil called on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and telecommunications providers to improve Internet connectivity in Sabah's tourism areas ahead of 2026.
Md Afendi said fast and stable Internet access would allow tourists to post photos and videos on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, which in turn helps promote Sabah more widely.
"Free WiFi at tourist sites would be even better. The contents will be shared more quickly. For example, Sepilok offers activities like the skywalker experience, night safaris and the canopy walk. I believe these can attract more tourists with the right online exposure," he said.
He added that stronger Internet coverage could enhance tourism's impact on the local economy, particularly for sectors such as hospitality, food and beverage, and transportation.
Meanwhile, Sabah Forestry Department deputy chief conservator (planning and management) Indra Purwandita H. Sunjoto also voiced the need for improved digital infrastructure in Sepilok, especially in support of e-based services and digital transactions.
"It's not that there is no Internet access, but there are areas where it could be improved. For instance, tourists still face difficulties using e-hailing services such as Grab in the area," he said.
He said the department, as the administrator of Sepilok's natural resources, is gradually shifting to digital services including e-payments, which would benefit from more stable and faster Internet access, particularly around the RDC.
Visitors, he added, have also shared feedback regarding connectivity, suggesting a need to address the issue moving forward.
Tour guide Jamiliah Omar, 35, said tourists often ask for locations with stronger Internet signals to post content during their visits.
"We end up spending time looking for better coverage, which could otherwise be used for tour activities," she said, welcoming the minister's call and expressing hope that the matter will be addressed.
Food vendor Siti Hajar Md Amin, 38, said some visitors face difficulties completing digital payments due to weak signals in certain areas.
"Most tourists prefer to pay using QR codes. When the signal is weak, I sometimes need to share my mobile hotspot just to complete the transaction and this is a safety risk. Otherwise, it could mean losing a sale," she said. — Bernama