SEMPORNA: As of October, 377,717 people have visited Semporna, said Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation minister Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.
"The presence of domestic and foreign tourists was because of their trust that Semporna and the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZONE) are safe.
"This is not just an empty talk because the Consul General of China in Kota Kinabalu, Huang Shifang, also expressed the satisfaction of Chinese tourists visiting Sabah, especially the Ess zone, during a courtesy visit to the Eastern Sabah Security Command commander (ESSCOM) Datuk Victor Sanjos in August.
"For this, we would like to thank ESSCOM and all security forces who work tirelessly to ensure the area is in a controlled situation.
"We do not deny the existence of cross-border crime threats, but I believe that with the credibility of ESSCOM and the security forces, coupled with the cooperation from the community in the ESS ZONE, the record of zero-kidnapping since January 15, 2020, can be maintained," he said during the Semarak ESSCOM 2023 off Bum Bum island.
Mohd Arifin added Semporna District has the potential to be developed as a world tourism hub due to its natural beauty, which is comparable to the Maldives, Mauritius, Hawaii, among others.
He also said the entry of tourists to Semporna is a good development as it indirectly helps improve the socio-economic status of the community.
"This development is also in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya 1.0 Development Plan (2021-2025), which aims to improve the standard of living of the people, especially in rural areas, strengthen infrastructure networks and green sustainability, while emphasising human capital and the well-being of the people.
"In this regard, I would like to urge all residents of the Semporna District to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the government for the improvement of the community's well-being here."
Present were ESSCOM chief executive officer Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali, and deputy commander Brigadier General Roslan Mat Saad.
The Semarak ESSCOM event was held to strengthen awareness of security and the level of patriotism in the community in line with the motto "Together Generating Prosperity."