Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has offered Violet Yong (DAP-Pending) a six-month “internship” at the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, which she accepted.
Abdul Karim wants Yong to have a better insight on how the ministry works in promoting Sarawak as a tourist destination.
The minister said Yong would see that those at the tourism ministry do not just sit in the office, but had been working very hard to promote Sarawak.
Meanwhile, in response to an issue raised by Yong that the reason why Sarawak could not sustain direct flights from foreign airlines was because the state had received low number of tourist arrivals, Abdul Karim said connectivity had long been acknowledged as one of the challenges.
“Connectivity relates to passenger loading factor and the fact that airlines are commercially driven, they will look at bottom line to decide if they would continue or terminate their services,” he stressed.
However, he said both the ministry and Sarawak Tourism Board were now exploring a different model to work with airlines so that it could be a win-win situation and sustainable.
“Besides, we do not want to only depend on our own homegrown carriers. Hence, we are in the midst of working and collaborating with international carriers focusing on growing markets such as China,” he said.
He added that as for foreign visitors, Bruneians made up more than 60 per cent.
“For that, Violet only knows about Borneo Rainforest Would Musical Festivals. She does not realise or simply remain ignorant that the Sarawak government has brought in so many international events,” he stressed.
On the issue she raised on Matang Wildlife Centre based on complaints posted by tourists on Trip Advisor, Abdul Karim reminded her that the centre was not a zoo, but a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre.
“Thus, we cannot compare Matang’s animal facilities with established zoos but instead look at highly acclaimed wildlife rehabilitation programme that the centre provides,” he pointed out.
He added that in relieving the increasing pressure on the centre, RM2 mln had been approved under the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan to establish a wildlife holding centre in Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary for Miri and northern regions.
Meanwhile in a press conference, Yong said she was more than happy that Abdul Karim extended the “internship” opportunity to her.
“I hope this is a truthful invitation to let me get into the ministry and work together and to understand more of our tourism issues.
“As he said I cannot be naughty, I won’t and I will be serious…to learn from the experienced officers to bring our tourism industry to greater heights,” she said.
