Friday, November 26, 2010

RM5.2 billion from tourism for Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is set to generate an income of RM5.2 billion from the targeted arrival of 2.5 million tourists next year.

Revenue is expected to further reach RM8 billion in 2015 with 3.5 million tourists expected.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun in his winding up said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will be allocated RM25 million to carry out promotions domestically and overseas to achieve next year’s objective.

In his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly Sitting yesterday, he said the ministry will focus on developing human capital from 2011 to 2015 to produce more skilled workers for the hospitality and service sectors.

Similarly, it will set up a management and monitoring system to tackle environment degradation issues in tourism areas; develop main towns in Sabah not only as a gateway for tourism but also for short-term visitors from South and East Asia regions; enhance research and development in biodiversity conservation for the benefit of the economy and rehabilitation; and enhance the promotion of traditional culture and art at the international level.

Under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP), the ministry has been given RM33 million to carry out 27 projects under Phase 1 from 2011-2012 for tourism, environment, conservation and culture.

Altogether, the ministry received RM121, 489,280 in the 2011 State Budget.

Departments and agencies under the ministry such as the Environment Protection Department, Wildlife Department and Sabah Parks were each allocated RM4.3 million, RM18 million and RM26 million respectively for administration expenditure.

These include maintaining cleanliness, ensuring the protection of natural resources within Sabah Parks; and maintaining natural diversity to ensure sustainable and equitable use of wildlife resources.

The State Museum Department and Sabah Cultural Board were given RM13.9 million and RM8.5 million respectively.

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