KUALA LUMPUR: The tourism sector in Sabah has not been affected despite the spate of kidnappings in the state, said Tourism and Culture deputy minister Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
Instead, tourist arrivals have increased, she said.
“The percentage (of tourist arrivals) is increasing. The Sabah Tourism Board also stated that more and more flights are being booked to Sabah destinations.
“We are pleased with the performance in Sabah, especially from China, which is a major contributor to the tourism sector there,” she told reporters yesterday.
Kidnappings of fishermen and seaman from boats at sea have frequently occurred in the waters between Sabah and the Philippines.
Mas Ermieyati said the ministry will cooperate with the Home Ministry and the Defence Ministry to monitor and safeguard tourists.
Five Malaysians were abducted by Abu Sayyaf gunmen on July 18 near the waters off Lahad Datu, on Sabah’s east coast.