KOTA KINABALU: Sabah welcomed a significant number of tourists from the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland last year, with a total of 34,727 visitors making their way to the state, Sabah First Info reported.
The figures, provided by British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ailsa Terry, do not include the estimated 200 to 300 permanent residents from these countries residing in Sabah.
During a courtesy visit to the Sabah governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Terry expressed a desire to foster increased cooperation across various sectors that would benefit both Sabah and the UK.
"Sabah is among the most beautiful places I have visited since arriving in Malaysia. We are keen on establishing more agreements and cooperation between the UK and Sabah, particularly in the fields of science and biodiversity," she said.
In addition to scientific collaboration, discussions are underway to boost tourism through partnerships in security, defence, and enhancing trade and investment between the UK and Sabah. Terry's visit to Juhar also included the presentation of a Travel Advisory issued by the British government last September, aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of British nationals visiting or residing in Sabah.
The High Commissioner, who took office in Malaysia in August last year, replacing Charles Hay, was accompanied by Robert Pepper, Second Secretary (Political) at the British High Commission in Malaysia, and David Powell, British Honorary Consul in Sabah.