National tourism body joins Sabah Ministers and Kudat Assemblyman, among others: More support for Mazu to proceed
Published on: Saturday, April 01, 2023
By: Nikko Fabian
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Joachim with Chong and local Muslim leaders during a visit to the site early this week.
Kota Kinabalu: More support is pouring in for the proposed revival of the stalled Mazu (Goddess of the Sea) project – this time from the association representing tourism players who know the industry best.The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) said it is what Sabah badly needs right now post-Covid with neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines in fierce competition for scarce tourist dollars.
The association concurred with Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew and local residents of Kudat in suggesting that it may be time to revisit the project which was cancelled midway by a previous government 17 years ago.
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Matta’s national President Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the “Goddess of the Sea” statue would definitely benefit Sabah’s tourism industry and uplift the livelihood of many in Kudat that is now ranked as among the Sabah’s poorest districts.
“Kudat will experience a tourism boom if the project is revived and successfully completed,” Matta said.
Matta’s national President Datuk Tan Kok Liang
It said the mega project that is private-funded would rejuvenate Kudat as a must-visit destination.
“The Kudat Riveria project and the Ro-Ro ferry service linking Kudat and Palawan did not materialise, thus failing to boost tourism activities there.
“These days promoting places like Kudat as a tourist destination is an uphill task due to poor road conditions, four hours’ drive and lacklustre tourism products there.
“There is nothing much to make tourists visit a place like Kudat….