Masidi (third left) launching the Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2014 with Tan (second left) and Suria Sabah Chairman Humphrey Tan (fourth left).
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has the potential to become a destination for visitors to purchase affordable quality products, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
“I am of the opinion that Kota Kinabalu can be made into a retail destination for local brands that are in the mid-price range, products which are not too expensive but is something that is not available anywhere else,” Masidi said.
Masidi, when officiating at Suria Sabah shopping mall’s Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2014 yesterday, said the feedback he received from visitors to Sabah revealed that they are interested to buy Malaysian made products which are not too expensive and cannot be found in their own countries.
“They told me that the quality of Malaysian products is good, in fact some say that it is better than international brands which can be found in their own home countries.
“Therefore I think that we must grab the opportunity to value-add the visitors to Sabah’s vacation by offering them quality local products,” he said.
Masidi was of the opinion that Sabah, being a retail destination for local brands which are in the mid-price range, can be an attraction on its own in the long run.
He said he is targeting China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam as the main markets for such a destination in the future.
“All we need to do is to increase Sabah’s connectivity to these places. I am confident that Sabah has the ability to provide products which are not too expensive but at the same time give satisfaction to visitors to Kota Kinabalu,” he stressed.
According to Masidi, he was very impressed with the quality of clothing paraded in the fashion show and was of the opinion that the products are worth the price that buyers are paying.
“I believe that if we build up the industry well with good marketing, over time we can actually be a place which is famous for offering mid-range quality products.
“And I hope more shopping complexes will follow suit what Suria Sabah has done and continue to make Kota Kinabalu attractive not only as a place for holiday but also a place to purchase something which they can bring home.
“I congratulate the management of Suria Sabah for always being creative not only for business but also in improving the atmosphere and products available in the shopping mall,” he said.
Meanwhile Suria Sabah Sdn Bhd General Manager, Tan King Way said that the Spring/Summer season at the shopping mall which runs from April 4 to May 4 will showcase 13 fashion brands and eight beauty and fashion counters.