Sabah tourism earns RM3.3 mln in first five months of 2025
The state's improving security and international appeal have contributed to this upward trend.
Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai credited the rise in tourist numbers to enhanced security measures, particularly the efforts of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom).
He noted that Sabah has had no kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in recent years, reinforcing its reputation as a safe destination.
'This complements the continuous efforts of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to position Sabah as a safe and welcoming destination,' he said.
According to STB data, international visitors made up 559,150 arrivals, while domestic tourists accounted for 879,420.
China remained the leading international market with 243,688 visitors, followed by South Korea with 76,685.
European arrivals also saw a significant increase, rising by 25.6 per cent to 35,240 visitors.
The United Kingdom and Ireland led with 13,910 arrivals, followed by Germany (3,854) and France (2,750). The United States contributed 9,356 arrivals, while Canada recorded 2,949. - Bernama
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Sabah tourism earns RM3.3bil in receipts for the first five months of 2025
SEMPORNA: Sabah's tourism sector has shown strong growth in the first five months of 2025, generating RM3.3 billion in tourism receipts from 1.44 million visitor arrivals. The state's improving security and international appeal have contributed to this upward trend. Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai credited the rise in tourist numbers to enhanced security measures, particularly the efforts of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom). He noted that Sabah has had no kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in recent years, reinforcing its reputation as a safe destination. 'This complements the continuous efforts of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to position Sabah as a safe and welcoming destination,' he said. According to STB data, international visitors made up 559,150 arrivals, while domestic tourists accounted for 879,420. China remained the leading international market with 243,688 visitors, followed by South Korea with 76,685. European arrivals also saw a significant increase, rising by 25.6 per cent to 35,240 visitors. The United Kingdom and Ireland led with 13,910 arrivals, followed by Germany (3,854) and France (2,750). The United States contributed 9,356 arrivals, while Canada recorded 2,949. - Bernama
The Star
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KOTA KINABALU: In the first five months this year, Sabah welcomed 1.44 million visitors, bringing in about RM3.3mil in tourism income, says Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. He said this when speaking at a dinner with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and 15 foreign diplomats and officials from 10 countries in Semporna on Saturday (July 5). 'There have been no kidnapping cases in recent years, which shows how serious ESSCom (Eastern Sabah Security Command) is about keeping our waters and communities safe. 'This also helps the Sabah Tourism Board promote our state as a safe and friendly place to visit,' said Bangkuai. Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Sabah's Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Joint Forces commander Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin, and ESSCom commander Datuk Victor Sanjos, were also present at the event. Earlier in the day, the group visited Pulau Omadal, Pulau Sibuan, Pulau Bohey Dulang, and Pulau Mataking. 'We are seeing the results of working closely with our security and tourism teams. Tourists feel safe coming here, even to areas once considered risky, and investors are confident about putting money into tourism,' said Bangkuai, who is also the Sabah Tourism Board chairman. He stated that from the 1.44 million visitors to Sabah, 559,150 were international tourists and 879,420 were local tourists. China was still Sabah's biggest foreign market, with 243,688 visitors, followed by South Korea with 76,685. There was also a significant rise in visitors from Europe, numbering 35,240 between January and May, which was 25.6% higher than the same period last year. The UK and Ireland brought in 13,910 tourists, followed by Germany (3,854) and France (2,750). Meanwhile, the United States recorded 9,356 visitors, and Canada had 2,949. 'We are hopeful about the future of tourism in Sabah. With ESSCom's support and the trust of our visitors, we're ready to welcome even more tourists in the months to come,' said Bangkuai.
Barnama
2 days ago
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Sabah Tourism Generates RM3.3 Mln In First Five Months Of 2025
SEMPORNA, July 6 (Bernama) -- Sabah has generated RM3.3 million in tourism receipts after recording around 1.44 million visitor arrivals between January and May this year - a positive sign that the state's tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, supported by the collective efforts of security agencies, local communities, and industry players. Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said that the steady rise in visitor arrivals, particularly from international markets, is closely tied to Sabah's strong security framework, which is diligently maintained by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom). He added that Sabah has recorded zero kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in recent years, underscoring ESSCom's commitment to safeguarding the state's waters and local communities.
