KOTA KINABALU: The state government is initiating a fund for victims of novel coronavirus infection in China.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the fund would be handled by his deputy who is also the Tourism, Culture and Environment minister, Datuk Christina Liew.
“We are going to launch the ‘tabung’ for Wuhan and our target is to collect RM1 million. Although China has a lot of money but being a neighbouring country colleague, we do our part to assist in times of trouble.
“They have been helping us in boosting our tourism sector. It’s time for us to repay. I’ve told them that this (travel ban against Chinese tourists) is only a temporary measure.
“The moment they found a good vaccine and it (the infection) is curable with a plunging infection rate, we will discuss with the authority how we can best encourage them to come in the future,” he told reporters after the launching of Sabah Pay e-wallet here today.
Shafie said the ban would be in effect for some time as all parties should be aware of Sabah’s insufficient healthcare facilities to accommodate patients, including tourists, should they be infected with the coronavirus.
At the same time, he said the state government was looking into ways to mitigate the virus’ economic impact on the tourism sector with the decline of Chinese tourists who form the most in tourist arrival numbers.
“We need to look at how to assist the sector to make sure the bumpy road is not so bumpy. Other than depending on (for tourists from) China, we have tourists from Taiwan, Japan and South Korea to focus.
“This year, we are going to Europe and Russia to bring in other target market and direct flight (from other countries), which can be realised almost immediately. Maybe will take one or two months if we can secure such engagement.”
Shafie also said the focus would be on attracting more domestic tourists and those from neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, Liew in a statement said the State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry has formed a special committee in collaboration with non-governmental organisations in the state to raise funds for Wuhan.
Co-chaired by herself and Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) president Tan Sri T.C. Goh, the special committee is expected to organise a fund-raising dinner which would be themed as “We Care” Charity Dinner on Feb 17 here.
“The move is an initiative of the State Government as a goodwill gesture as we have always enjoyed a cordial relationship with China via the China Consulate Office in Kota Kinabalu.
“In times of trouble like this, we extend our support to the victims and pray that the viral epidemic will be a thing of the past soon,” Liew said.