KOTA KINABALU: Unverified information regarding the state of Sabah should not be immediately taken as fact by other countries, said Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Kamarlin Ombi.
However, Kamarlin assured that the ministry will inform relevant authorities and the media on any updates regarding Sabah tourism following the earthquake in Ranau.
“This has been done by the Tourism Ministry itself and through travel agencies. Of course, the Tourism Ministry will inform other countries … China, Korea, Japan … regarding anything that happens in the state so they would always be alert about what is happening,” he said at a press conference during Grand Borneo Hotel breaking fast ceremony here on Sunday.
“They should not trust irresponsible people who spread news that kidnappings are still happening, earthquakes always happen as it will definitely deter tourists from coming to Sabah. But I think the ministry have their own way to convey information to parties outside of the country,” he added.
According to Kamarlin, the state of tourism in Sabah is still unclear with the latest blow of incidences, which shook Kundasang, Ranau and certain parts of the west coast on June 5.
“So far we have not gotten a feedback yet as the earthquake had only recently happened and new (tourism status) figures of a decrease or maybe no decline is still being revised,” said the assistant minister.
“What we see here is that if the mountain is closed for three months, it will of course affect the Sabah Parks income. This is something that can be given some thought. The Mount Kinabalu should be restored as soon as possible in order to generate the economy promptly,” said Kamarlin who refused to comment on whether travel agents will receive a refund from Sabah Parks for the cancellation of tours booked by visitors.
Certain programmes at Kinabalu Park are currently off limits to the public pending further announcement following the quake who killed 18 persons on the mountain.
The board of Sabah Parks said the programmes involved the Video Show and Kinabalu Natural History Gallery, Poring Hot Springs, Canopy Walkway, Butterfly Park, Kipungit Waterfall and Langganan Waterfall.
The board said the temporary closure would enable potential visitors to plan their holidays.
Kamarlin also said the government welcomes efforts made by hoteliers to accommodate local and foreign Muslim guests.
These efforts include certification acquirement of proper prayer direction and halal status from relevant Islamic bodies in the country as well as the provision of correct local prayer timetables for hotel guests, he said.
“As I understand it, there are many hotels which do not have or do have the prayer direction but it is not quite right. So the handover of the prayer direction signage by the state mufti is an important, good and proactive step made by the hotels in assisting Muslims to carry out the complete five praying times,” said Kamarlin.
Although prayer direction can be figured out using other way, he said the methods used might not give the correct results due to contributing factors.
“In addition, we would also like to suggest hotels, which have not already done so, to provide timetables to enable Muslims to perform their prayers. For example, those who come here from Peninsula, of course, will have to adjust to the different prayer time here,” he explained.
Besides guaranteeing the cleanliness and quality of food served, Kamarlin also feels that food premises should be responsible in acquiring and displaying the Halal certification from the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) to accommodate for their Muslim customers in the country.