KOTA KINABALU: Tourist arrivals to Semporna have plunged between 80 to 90 per cent following the spate of kidnapping cases in Sabah, said Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC) president Datuk Seri Panglima Gan Sau Wah.
Gan, who is also Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce president, said tourists were rarely seen in Semporna lately after the abduction incidences.
Furthermore, businesses in Semporna had dropped by at least 40 per cent while developers were also facing difficulties in selling their housing and commercial properties in the east coast, he said when asked to comment on the current situation in Semporna yesterday.
Gan said the kidnapping cases in Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu had caused fear among the Chinese investors.
“If these kidnapping cases recur, they will negatively impact on the people and businesses in the east coast, deter foreign investments and tourist arrivals.
Gan said the locals who were born and raised in Semporna were faced with pirates, robbers and kidnappers again and again over the years.
Continue reading at: 90% plunge in Semporna tourist arrivals
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