Bangkuai (centre) and Noredah (left) meeting Riad at the RedQuarters in Kuala Lumpur.
KOTA KINABALU (Nov 20): A delegation led by Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai on Friday met with AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Riad Asmat to discuss the low-cost carrier’s future plans for the state.
Among the topics discussed was the possibility of relaxing the Covid-19 test requirement for fully vaccinated visitors to Sabah, similar to Langkawi.
AirAsia brought up the matter to enhance tourism in the state by allowing fully vaccinated tourists to enter without having to undergo mandatory coronavirus testing.
Bangkuai, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), stated that the matter would be relayed to the state government.
“Looking at AirAsia’s plans for Sabah, there is no reason for STB not to support. We are on the same page.
“We understand the state government is being careful because the health and safety of Sabahans is paramount. That said, we do want to see a speedy revival in tourism.
“We are also delighted that Sabah remains a hub for AirAsia. With international borders expected to open in January of next year, building confidence for travellers is important, and we are ready to welcome more visitors,” he said.
STB Chief Executive Officer Noredah Othman and Chief Marketing Officer Tay Shu Lan were also present at the meeting held at the RedQuarters in Kuala Lumpur.
Earlier, Riad said the Covid-19 test requirement had become a big deterrent for individuals flying for leisure as it adds up to the cost of travel expenses.
“I’m hoping at one point, sooner or later, this will be considered. I believe once the requirement is lifted, there will be more people eager to fly to Sabah. We will see the trajectory and bring the state tourism industry back.
“Langkawi is a hot spot with super busy flights because everyone is flying there for a getaway. However, the people are now looking to travel elsewhere, and Sabah, as well as Sarawak, are the very places people want to go next,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the chances of a cluster occurring in tourism are low, noting there has been no significant outbreak since the mandatory Covid-19 test for Langkawi was dropped.
Riad further stated Sabah would continue to be a major destination and important operating hub for AirAsia, adding that the low-cost carrier is looking into mounting more flights to international destinations from the East Malaysian state, in the near future.
Meanwhile, Noredah said STB would continue working with airlines, including AirAsia, to bring more visitors to Sabah.
“When international borders open, we have plans, and as our greatest partners, we work closely with airlines to attract travellers because airlines account for 90 percent of visits to Sabah,” she said.