Sabah Economic Advisory Council chairman Tan Sri David Chu
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC) has backed the call by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing not to pass unnecessary or unwelcome remarks to Chinese tourists when they start arriving in Malaysia.
Its chairman Tan Sri David Chu said the SEAC also implored all tourism stakeholders in Sabah to do their best to give a warm welcome to these guests following China’s move to open up its borders starting Jan 8.
He said Chinese tourists made up more than 50% of Sabah’s total tourism arrivals before the imposition of the movement control order (MCO) in March 2020.
“They can assist to expedite the recovery of Sabah’s tourism and economy,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 4).
“They have contributed an overwhelming portion of Sabah’s RM8bil tourism receipt and have generated considerable employment business opportunities for Sabahans.
“There were more than 100 flights per week (from China to Sabah before the MCO).
“Equally important for Sabah’s future, some China state enterprise organisations, a provincial government and private enterprises have already shown substantial interest in investment in steel manufacturing, crude palm oil (CPO), a regional logistic hub for e-commerce, and Sabah Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H).
“There are plenty of opportunities for China to be Sabah’s largest trading partner and source of investment soon,” Chu added.
Tiong had on Monday (Jan 2) urged the public to refrain from making negative comments about inbound travellers from China, especially on social media.
The Minister said that Malaysia has enjoyed long-standing close relations with China and the bond between the two countries must not be broken.
“There have been some negative reports on social media platforms on China’s decision to reopen its borders but I would like to appeal to everyone to be cautious with their words.
“Please do not make unfriendly comments before you know the full picture and don’t hurt the friendship between Malaysia and China or create an impression that we don’t welcome (its citizens),” he said.
Chu said most countries, including Malaysia and Singapore, have adopted the requirement for Chinese visitors to provide negative Covid-19 test results taken within 48 hours prior to arrival in accordance with the recommendation of the World Health Organization.
“Like all countries, China wants fair treatment for her citizens traveling abroad.
“Any unfavourable profiling would be deemed unacceptable. Hence, Tiong’s caution is especially pertinent as Chinese tourists are a major source of revenue for Malaysia.
In addition, China is Malaysia’s biggest trading partner and largest source of investment for manufacturing,” he said.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had previously said the Sabah Cabinet will make a decision on Wednesday (Jan 4) on Covid-19 standard operating procedures for those arriving from China.
