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26th June, 2009
LABUAN: The Ministry of Tourism has allocated a total of RM68.82 million for Labuan’s long term tourism industry plan.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Sulaiman Abd Taib said that the allocation was under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and various development programs are being implemented.
“The Ministry also recorded a significant increase in tourist arrival into the island every year,” he said in answering a question from Labuan MP Datuk Yussof Mahal in Parliament.
He said that only tourism development projects are given priority to be implemented under the ninth Malaysia Plan, while less important ones to be brought up to 10th Malaysia Plan.
He said his Ministry would also be closely working together with local authority in Labuan to boost the tourism industry.
Meanwhile, Yussof Mahal said Labuan, being an international financial centre and hub for Oil & Gas industry should not be left behind in the national mainstream development.
“It is pointless after Labuan became a Federal Territory but still lacking in the area of development,” he said.
Yussof said the upgrading of Labuan airport which has enabled it to have the capacity of handling bigger aircraft like Boeing 747 should be given attention by the Tourism Ministry, in particular by having more direct flights into the island and vice versa.
“We have international events such as Sea International Challenge and Borneo Cup International Challenge organized every year.
But it is very unfortunate the island is still lacking in tourism products. We cannot afford to have a bigger airport but few plane landings,” he said.
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