Matta Fair Sabah 2025 brings more exclusive travel deals
Matta Fair Sabah 2025 brings more exclusive travel deals
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Headquarters, in collaboration with MATTA Sabah Chapter, ...
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
03-08-2025
- Borneo Post
BIMP-EAGA Council urges fisheries devolution to Sabah under MA63
Dr Raymond (left) sharing the Tamparuli programme to Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau. Dr Raymond is currently implementing the programme to ensure Tamparuli can be elevated as productive district in Sabah. Both also discussed the importance of restoring Sabah's right in fisheries. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 3): The BIMP-EAGA Business Council (Malaysia-Sabah Chapter) has reaffirmed its call for the full devolution of fisheries governance to the Sabah State Government as part of a long-overdue restorative justice process under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Ita chairman, Dr Raymond Alfred, made the call amid growing national and regional conversations about the need to realign federal-state relations, especially in the governance of natural and marine resources, which are vital to Sabah's economy and cultural identity. 'The devolution of fisheries power is not just a bureaucratic reform – it is a rightful correction of historical imbalances that have long deprived Sabah of full control over its maritime wealth. We see this as a restorative justice measure in line with the spirit and substance of MA63,' said Dr Raymond. Sabah's coastal communities, traditional fisherfolk and marine entrepreneurs continue to face confusion, double licensing, and weak enforcement mechanisms due to overlapping jurisdictions between federal and state agencies. Dr Raymond emphasized that the Fisheries Act 1985 (Federal), while applicable to the Excusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and deep sea, should no longer override Sabah's constitutional rights over its internal waters and adjacent seas. 'Sabah has both the institutional maturity and local expertise to manage its own fisheries sustainably and inclusively. What we need is the political will to return what rightfully belongs to the people of Sabah,' he added. The BIMP-EAGA Business Council sees the devolution of fisheries governance as a strategic pillar in the development of a Blue-Green Economy in Sabah. This includes sustainable fisheries, marine-based tourism, blue carbon financing, and community-led aquaculture. Dr Raymond announced that there is a need by the Sabah State Assembly to submit a formal policy proposal to the Federal Government, calling for amendments to the Federal Fisheries Act 1985, the creation of a Sabah Marine and Fisheries Authority (SMFA), a fair revenue-sharing framework and recognition of customary fishing zones. He urged state and federal leaders to view fisheries devolution not as a political demand, but as a constitutional and moral obligation. 'The time has come to match words with action. Restoring Sabah's autonomy over its seas is essential not only for economic empowerment, but for dignity, equity and the promise of a just Federation,' he concluded.
The Star
28-07-2025
- The Star
Delegation visits Uzbekistan to strengthen tourism cooperation
The delegation in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. MALAYSIA'S tourism industry delegation, representing more than 25 Malaysian travel companies made a working visit to Uzbekistan. Organised at the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Malaysia and the Uzbekistan tourism committee, the delegation included leaders from key Malaysian tourism associations such as the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the Association of Bumiputera Tourism Operating Companies of Malaysia (Bumitra) and the Association of Umrah and Hajj Tourism Agencies (Papuh). Malaysian actress and TV presenter Adrea Abdullah also joined the visit at the invitation of Uzbekistan. During their week-long stay earlier this month, the delegation toured the Jizzakh, Samarkand and Bukhara regions as well as the capital city Tashkent. 'The visit provided the Malaysian delegation with a unique opportunity to explore Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage, Islamic pilgrimage sites, and growing tourism infrastructure,' the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Malaysia said in a media statement. 'A series of presentations showcasing Uzbekistan's tourism potential were held alongside G2B (government-to-business) and B2B (business-to-business) meetings. 'These sessions brought together Uzbek and Malaysian tour operators to discuss opportunities for expanding the flow of Malaysian tourists to Uzbekistan and establishing long-term partnerships.' Delegates also had the opportunity to experience the services provided by Uzbekistan Airways on its direct Kuala Lumpur-Tashkent flights. This landmark visit followed the official visit of Uzbekistan president Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Malaysia last February and served as part of the implementation of key bilateral agreements in tourism. 'The visit underscores the shared commitment of both nations to foster closer cooperation in the tourism sector and paves the way for increased people-to-people exchanges and economic collaboration,' the statement concluded.
Borneo Post
27-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Council vows to boost tourism in Sibu
Ting (third right) receives a souvenir from Sheikh Awadh after officiating at the opening of Matta Sibu Fair 2025. Others on-stage are (from left) Kang, Mok, Ling and Maurice. SIBU (July 27): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to boosting the domestic tourism sector through the organisation of large-scale events such as the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF), which recorded its 20th edition this year. SMC chairman Clarence Ting hailed the recently-concluded festival as not only a platform to celebrate Sarawak's cultural diversity, but also a key driver in attracting visitors to Sibu. 'We believe domestic tourism is the backbone of local economic development, and BCF is a clear testament to our continuous effort to showcase Borneo's cultural uniqueness to visitors nationwide,' he said when officiating at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sibu Fair 2025 here yesterday. Although not as prominent as regional-level events such as the Kuching Food Festival, Ting said the response to this year's BCF was encouraging, with a notable increase in income for local traders. 'This event not only draws tourists but also creates opportunities for small entrepreneurs and cultural performers to grow,' he added. Commenting on the Matta Sibu Fair 2025, Ting welcomed the strong participation from travel agencies and industry players, which he said reflected confidence in Sarawak's, particularly Sibu's, tourism potential. 'Although the regional economy is slowing down, platforms like the Matta Fair can breathe new life into the local tourism sector. 'It also opens up opportunities for investments and collaborations among industry players.' Meanwhile, Matta Sibu Fair organising committee chairman Patrick Ling said this year's edition featured 32 exhibition booths, covering both domestic and international destinations. 'We are offering a variety of holiday packages, from nature-based destinations to unique cultural experiences. 'Our goal is to rekindle public interest in travelling while supporting the nation's tourism economy,' he added. Also present were Matta deputy president Sheikh Awadh Sheikh Abdullah, MATTA Sarawak deputy chairman Mok Venia, Sarawak Tourism Board senior director Maurice Balang and RHB Bank regional sales head Linda Kang. Clarence Ting sibu municipal council tourism
