Suhaimi Nasir (BN-Libaran) said this is because Sabah had seen a relatively high number of Chinese tourist arrivals this year.

“According to estimates quoted in mainstream media, approximately 1.4 million Chinese tourists have visited the country as of July, and of that number, 270,000 are estimated to have travelled to Sabah.

“I propose that the transport ministry make Sabah the tourism hub for Chinese visitors to Malaysia. I believe the flight tickets from Guangzhou, Taipei, and Macau to Sabah are cheaper compared to tickets to Kuala Lumpur, and the flight duration is also shorter,” he said when debating the Supply Bill 2025 at the policy stage in the Dewan Rakyat.

He said the transport ministry should increase the number of flights to Sabah, particularly for East Asian airlines.

He said making Sabah a transit hub would be in line with the Freedom of the Air outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

“If Sabah is established as an East Asian flight hub, it will invigorate the state’s economy and create new jobs for the locals. This, in turn, will help the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and eradicate poverty,” he said.

Separately, Wetrom Bahanda (KDM-Kota Marudu) urged the tourism, arts and culture ministry to promote and develop tourist destinations in Sabah’s rural areas in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

He said Sabah has the second highest number of tourist arrivals in Malaysia.

In making his point, he cited Kota Marudu, which is part of the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark. He said it boasts beautiful beaches, rivers, mountains, mangroves, preserved wildlife, and cultural diversity.

“However, the tourism infrastructure in Kota Marudu, particularly basic facilities such as roads, water supply, and public amenities, needs significant attention,” he added.