Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman launched the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) as Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) Eastern Hub, Monday, signalling that the State is on course to achieving tourism and economic excellence.
He was delighted that more direct air links would be forged between the capital and major cities in the region, in line with Sabah's plan to develop tourism as one of the growth sectors as envisaged in the Sabah Development Corridor and Halatuju (development agenda).
He also welcomed the latest addition to the national carrier's fleet, the new Boeing Next-Generation B737-800, which sported a new MAS, livery flown in by pilots Capt. Niazi Saif-ud Dean and Capt. Zamri Ismail, on its inaugural flight here from Kuala Lumpur.
Given a water cannon salute on its arrival at the KKIA, the plane flew in Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, MAS Managing Director-cum-CEO, Tengku Dato Sri Azmil Zahruddin and media representatives here from the nation's capital for the Eastern Hub launching.
"It is not just air links we are excited about É we welcome the move by Malaysia Airlines to station two of its new technologically advanced B737-800 at the KKIA," Musa said.
"We are privileged to be among the very first to enjoy the pleasures of flying on this aircraft, which is equipped with all the latest features for the comfort of passengers."
"Sabah has been blessed with tropical attractions, flora and fauna biodiversity and multi-cultures É to preserve this slice of heaven for today's and tomorrow's generations, our focus is to always promote sustainable development and sustainable tourism.
"It is our hope in the State Government that tourism players in Sabah remain mindful of the attractions that we are blessed with, and the fact that some of these sites are vulnerable to the impacts of tourism activities," Musa said.
"We must do everything in our capacity to minimise the impact of tourism activities on coral reefs, the jungle and our iconic wildlife, some of which are listed as endangered," he said, adding the tourism sector should also look into reducing carbon emissions in their daily operations.
Musa said the Sabah Government is resolved towards reaching the aim of 4.5 million tourists 10 years from now through sustainable tourism efforts.
He noted that the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and the Sabah Tourism Board, together with MAS, had a big hand in attracting visitors into the State.
Over one million visitors came to Sabah in the first half of this year - a 5.2 per cent increase compared to last year, while Sabah's tourism receipts in 2009 were RM3.875 billion, with 2.246 million tourist arrivals.
He was delighted that more direct air links would be forged between the capital and major cities in the region, in line with Sabah's plan to develop tourism as one of the growth sectors as envisaged in the Sabah Development Corridor and Halatuju (development agenda).
He also welcomed the latest addition to the national carrier's fleet, the new Boeing Next-Generation B737-800, which sported a new MAS, livery flown in by pilots Capt. Niazi Saif-ud Dean and Capt. Zamri Ismail, on its inaugural flight here from Kuala Lumpur.
Given a water cannon salute on its arrival at the KKIA, the plane flew in Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, MAS Managing Director-cum-CEO, Tengku Dato Sri Azmil Zahruddin and media representatives here from the nation's capital for the Eastern Hub launching.
"It is not just air links we are excited about É we welcome the move by Malaysia Airlines to station two of its new technologically advanced B737-800 at the KKIA," Musa said.
"We are privileged to be among the very first to enjoy the pleasures of flying on this aircraft, which is equipped with all the latest features for the comfort of passengers."
"Sabah has been blessed with tropical attractions, flora and fauna biodiversity and multi-cultures É to preserve this slice of heaven for today's and tomorrow's generations, our focus is to always promote sustainable development and sustainable tourism.
"It is our hope in the State Government that tourism players in Sabah remain mindful of the attractions that we are blessed with, and the fact that some of these sites are vulnerable to the impacts of tourism activities," Musa said.
"We must do everything in our capacity to minimise the impact of tourism activities on coral reefs, the jungle and our iconic wildlife, some of which are listed as endangered," he said, adding the tourism sector should also look into reducing carbon emissions in their daily operations.
Musa said the Sabah Government is resolved towards reaching the aim of 4.5 million tourists 10 years from now through sustainable tourism efforts.
He noted that the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and the Sabah Tourism Board, together with MAS, had a big hand in attracting visitors into the State.
Over one million visitors came to Sabah in the first half of this year - a 5.2 per cent increase compared to last year, while Sabah's tourism receipts in 2009 were RM3.875 billion, with 2.246 million tourist arrivals.
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