Latest news with #SabahTourismBoard
Borneo Post
6 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Joniston applauds formation of Tawau Tourism Working Group
Joniston greeting Tawau tourism players. TAWAU (July 29): Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has commended tourism stakeholders here for taking the initiative to form a dedicated Tawau Tourism Working Group. Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), described such an initiative as a timely step towards driving more structured and impactful tourism efforts in the district. 'This shows there is energy and drive within the industry. A focused and functional working group will be a good platform to push new ideas, close gaps, and advocate for the kind of support that tourism in Tawau deserves,' he said during an engagement session with stakeholders here. Organised by STB, the engagement session gathered representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Immigration Department, Tawau airport, and key tourism players in Tawau. At the same time, Joniston emphasised that the involvement of local authorities is equally crucial, as their role complements grassroots tourism initiatives, especially efforts to develop rural areas and ensure alignment with district-level planning. He stressed local authorities and District Tourism Action Committees need to be in the thick of tourism-related development, given their responsibilities in local planning, development and socio-economic growth. 'Their participation is not just expected but necessary, as tourism is one of the key pillars under the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda, and it cannot thrive without shared responsibility,' he said. Joniston reaffirmed that the Sabah Tourism Board remains committed to supporting grassroots initiatives to strengthen tourism development at the district level. Present were STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, Sabah MOTAC director Ibrahim Othman, and Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Haryanty Abu Bakar, among others. During the engagement session, Julinus shared ongoing initiatives, key strategies and future directions in line with the Explore Sabah campaign.
The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
Tourism players urged build on Tawau's nature tourism strength
STB chief executive officer Julinus Jimit talking to tourism stakeholders in Tawau. KOTA KINABALU: Tawau's reputation as an eco-tourism destination on Sabah's east coast was reinforced during an engagement session organised by the Sabah Tourism Board with local tourism players on Tuesday (July 29). State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew highlighted Tawau's appeal to nature lovers, conservation advocates, and eco-conscious travellers, urging stakeholders to build on this strength. "Places like Tawau Hills Park offer not just towering tropical trees and rare species, but real opportunities for birding, nature photography, and wildlife experiences that more travellers are now looking for," she said in a speech delivered by her assistant minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman. Liew noted that the district has long attracted researchers and conservationists due to its biodiversity and emphasised the importance of connecting destinations like Tawau to markets that value meaningful, community-driven travel experiences. Currently, Tawau is served by five airlines: Malaysia Airlines, MASwings, Firefly, AirAsia, and Batik Air, with 154 weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Kota Kinabalu, and Sandakan, offering over 27,000 seats. Liew said Tawau's strong air connectivity is not the issue, but building on its strengths to position it as a destination in its own right rather than just a stopover is crucial. The minister called for better collaboration between tourism operators, local communities, and government agencies to ensure that strategies are grounded in reality. She stated that the Sabah Tourism Board will continue its efforts under the Explore Sabah campaign, designed to complement Visit Malaysia 2026 while driving domestic and international arrivals to districts like Tawau. During the engagement, STB chief executive officer Julinus Jimit provided updates on the current tourism outlook, ongoing efforts under the state's Explore Sabah campaign, and the potentials for Tawau. The session is part of ongoing efforts to keep tourism development inclusive and aligned with Sabah's overall direction.
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
13MP cannot ignore Sabah's informal sector
Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025 Text Size: Sabah's informal sector is not a marginal issue. It plays a central role in the state's economic fabric. Recognising this in the 13th Malaysia Plan is not only a matter of fairness but also a matter of sound policy. - Pic credit Sabah Tourism Board As Malaysia prepares its 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), policymakers must confront an uncomfortable but necessary truth. That is, the country cannot afford to exclude the informal economy any longer, particularly in states like Sabah, where informal employment is not just common, it is a lifeline. Sabah's economy has long operated in two spheres, the visible, formal sector, and the informal one that is referred to as the shadow economy. From roadside traders and wet market hawkers to undocumented plantation workers and domestic helpers, a significant portion of Sabahans rely on informal work to survive. Despite their importance, these workers remain largely invisible in policy design, lacking recognition, protection, and access to support mechanisms. According to a 2024 World Bank report, Sabah recorded an informal employment rate of 29.1 percent in 2019, even when agricultural workers were excluded. Informality is especially prevalent in rural areas, where nearly 42 percent of workers are not part of the formal economy. This places Sabah among the top six states with the highest informal employment rates in the country. The issue extends beyond livelihoods. The prevalence of untaxed, unregistered economic activities contributes to major revenue leakages. While no official estimate is available, the state and the country could be forfeiting billions of Ringgit annually in unrealised tax income, uncollected licensing fees, and undocumented transactions. This is not just a financial concern but a missed opportunity to reinvest in social development, infrastructure, and poverty reduction. Equally critical are the social implications of informality. Many workers in Sabah's informal sector operate without access to basic protections such as retirement savings, health coverage, or workplace safety measures. The World Bank highlights that informal workers, especially women and youth, are highly vulnerable to shocks, abuse, and displacement. Women are disproportionately affected, with many engaged in informal care work, domestic service, or home-based sales. Without formal employment relationships, these women are excluded from schemes like Socso or EPF. They also face income instability and greater exposure to exploitation. The lack of maternity support, job security, and affordable child care reinforces the gender gap in economic participation. Furthermore, the link between informal work and poverty is clear. Nearly half of all informally employed Malaysians come from B40 households, and among the poorest 10 percent, the informal employment rate reaches nearly 80 percent. In Sabah, these realities are compounded by remoteness, lack of documentation, and weaker institutional outreach. The result is not just economic exclusion, but systemic marginalisation. The 13th Malaysia Plan presents a critical opportunity to shift how we approach informality, not as a problem to eliminate, but as a sector to support, protect, and eventually integrate. The World Bank recommends a 'protection before enforcement' approach, whereby informal workers are first offered access to social security, skills development, and financial services before being expected to comply with formal regulations. Among the steps that should be considered are deploying mobile registration units to remote districts and introducing voluntary EPF and Socso schemes via digital platforms. Simplified micro-registration processes, microinsurance products, and targeted upskilling programmes for women in care work and youth in the gig economy would also offer practical inroads. Innovations such as automatic deductions for savings through gig platforms or group-based micro-pension plans can help reduce vulnerability. Sabah's informal sector is not a marginal issue. It plays a central role in the state's economic fabric. Recognising this in the 13th Malaysia Plan is not only a matter of fairness but also a matter of sound policy. Formalising informal work does not require rigid structures and instead, it means creating opportunities and support systems for those who need them most. With the right strategies, Sabah can transform informality from a challenge into a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth. If Malaysia is committed to building an economy that truly leaves no one behind, the process must begin with the communities where most Sabahans already earn their living. The time has come to place them at the heart of national development efforts. Saizal Pinjaman The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah welcomes new T'way charter service from Daegu
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 Text Size: STB Deputy CEO Tay Shu Lan (sixth from right), STB Senior Marketing Manager Humphrey Ginibun (fifth from right) and T'way Air Regional Manager KK Airport Station Kim Minkeun (fourth from right) with T'way Air pilots and crew at KKIA. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) welcomed a new direct charter service by T'way Air from Daegu, South Korea, to Kota Kinabalu. Operating four times a week - every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday – this seasonal route runs from July 24 to Aug 24. The first flight, which landed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 9.35pm on Thursday, received a strong response with 182 passengers on board. This seasonal route marks a key development in enhancing international air connectivity to Sabah and is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism from South Korea, one of the State's key markets. 'We are thrilled to welcome T'way Air and its passengers to Sabah,' said Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board. 'This new charter flight service reflects Sabah's position as a key destination for South Korean travellers, known for their love of tropical nature and cultural discovery. We are confident this will be an important step in revitalising tourism flows and offering South Koreans easier access to the incredible experiences Sabah has to offer.' As of May 2025, Sabah received 76,685 South Korean visitors, reflecting a growing demand for the State's unique natural and cultural offerings. This seasonal charter complements T'way Air's existing daily service between Incheon and Kota Kinabalu, further reinforcing the airline's commitment to the Sabah market. Sabah offers a range of attractions perfect for South Korean tourists, including world-class diving, pristine islands, lush jungles, indigenous heritage and Mount Kinabalu – a Unesco World Heritage site. Known for their love of eco-tourism and tropical escapes, South Korean travellers will find Sabah an ideal destination for nature and adventure. This charter initiative is a result of close collaboration between Sabah Tourism Board, T'way Air and local tourism operators, further strengthening Sabah's position as a must-visit destination for travellers from South Korea. The Board is confident that this service will not only drive more immediate tourism growth but also set the stage for expanded air services in the future. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah welcomes T'way Air's new direct charter flights from Daegu
STB Senior Deputy Chief Executive Officer Tay Shu Lan (sixth from right); STB Senior Marketing Manager Humphrey Ginibun (fifth from right); Malaysia Airports Senior Airport Manager Jefry Ramli (fourth from left); T'way Air Regional Manager Kota Kinabalu Airport Station Kim Minkeun (fourth from right); and T'way Air pilots and cabin crew. KOTA KINABALU (July 25): The Sabah Tourism Board welcomes a new charter service by T'way Air, connecting Daegu, South Korea, directly to Kota Kinabalu. Operating four times a week, every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday – this seasonal route runs from 24 July to 24 August 2025. The first flight, which landed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 9.35pm last night, received a strong response with 182 passengers on board. This seasonal route marks a key development in enhancing international air connectivity to Sabah and is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism from South Korea, one of the state's key markets. 'We are thrilled to welcome T'way Air and its passengers to Sabah,' said Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board. 'This new charter flight service reflects Sabah's position as a key destination for South Korean travellers, known for their love of tropical nature and cultural discovery. We are confident this will be an important step in revitalising tourism flows and offering South Koreans easier access to the incredible experiences Sabah has to offer.' As of May 2025, Sabah received 76,685 South Korean visitors, reflecting a growing demand for the state's unique natural and cultural offerings. This seasonal charter complements T'way Air's existing daily service between Incheon and Kota Kinabalu, further reinforcing the airline's commitment to the Sabah market. Sabah offers a range of attractions perfect for South Korean tourists, including world-class diving, pristine islands, lush jungles, indigenous heritage, and Mount Kinabalu – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for their love of eco-tourism and tropical escapes, South Korean travellers will find Sabah an ideal destination for nature and adventure. This charter initiative is a result of close collaboration between Sabah Tourism Board, T'way Air and local tourism operators, further strengthening Sabah's position as a must-visit destination for travellers from South Korea. The board is confident that this service will not only drive more immediate tourism growth but also set the stage for expanded air services in the future.
