KOTA KINABALU – Sabah is off to an encouraging start for the year with 1.44 million visitors in the first half of 2025, collecting about RM3.3 million in tourism receipts, said Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Speaking during a dinner in Semporna hosted for Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and a 15-member delegation of diplomats and officials from 10 countries, Bangkuai emphasized Sabah’s long-standing appeal as a friendly and secure destination.
There has never been a kidnapping incident in recent years, bearing testimony to the effectiveness of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) in safeguarding our waters and people,” he stated. “This sense of security greatly augments our effort at tourism development and also provides reassurance to tourists and investors.”.
The ceremony was also attended by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Joint Forces commander Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin, and ESSCom commander Datuk Victor Sanjos.
Earlier, the delegation also toured several key island attractions like Pulau Omadal, Pulau Sibuan, Pulau Bohey Dulang, and Pulau Mataking — all of which have been gaining increased interest from tourists.
Of the 1.44 million arrivals, 559,150 were international visitors and 879,420 were domestic visitors. It was also China that continued to be Sabah’s biggest overseas market, with 243,688 arrivals, followed by South Korea with 76,685.
There was also strong growth in European arrivals, which rose 25.6% year-on-year to 35,240 tourists. The UK and Ireland accounted for 13,910 tourists, while Germany (3,854) and France (2,750) also showed positive growth.
North American tourist arrival statistics were also no less heartening, with 9,356 visitors from the United States and 2,949 from Canada during the same period.
“We are seeing the fruits of good cooperation between our security forces and tourism stakeholders,” Bangkuai said. “With continued assistance from ESSCom and stability in international markets, Sabah can expect to receive even more tourists in the coming months.”
Bangkuai, also the chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, remained bullish on sustained growth and wider international reach for Sabah as a world-class tourist destination.
