FOR Sarawak to have its own tourism rights would mean that it allows the state to have flexibility to develop tourism industry through the formulation of the state law.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Yew Chew said the flexibility includes promoting investment in tourism infrastructure, levelling up the capability of local workforce development and engaging the assets in terms of connectivity and facilities.
He was responding to Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (GPS-Batu Kitang) on the significant benefits for Sarawak to have its own tourism rights during question and answer session in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Ting said his ministry will also focus on the key tourism areas as stated in the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy, namely:
* International marketing promotion by showcasing its unique culture, natural beauty, and sustainable practices as well as positioning itself as a forward-thinking destination committed to responsible development, and to positioning Sarawak as a premier tourist attraction destination to attract investors and business partners. Part of the initiative is through Sarawak Trade And Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), Sarawak Trade And Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB).
* Adapting the development of utilising digital and smart tourism such as S-MM2H and Sarawak Travel Apps.
* Upgrading the high-level expectation for festivals, local and international events including business events.
* Recognising Sarawak as one of the international responsible tourism destinations especially through Sarawak Tourism Board.
* Preparing the implementation of the enforcement as now the application for the licence agent for S-MM2H is under the Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry’s purview.
Ting said an active discussion between the state and federal governments are ongoing on the reinstatement of the autonomous rights for the tourism sector.
“The negotiations are under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and both the state and federal governments are putting concerted efforts to move the way forward and rejuvenate the tourism industry.
“Looking back at the history, tourism was never mentioned in any of the list, either in Federal List, State List, or Concurrent List in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution. Hence, by virtue of article 77 of the Federal Constitution, tourism should fall under the state legislative power as it is a residual matter,” he added.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has subsequently directed the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts (MoTAC) to re-engage in discussion with the Sarawak and Sabah governments to reach a consensus among all three parties.
“My ministry remains committed to continuing dialogue and negotiations with MoTAC in our proposal to amend item 25A (Tourism) from List I (Federal List) to list III (Concurrent List) which would grant concurrent powers to both the federal and state government.
“We will work closely with Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relation) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and the State Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“This collaboration is critical to ensure Sarawak is given the necessary executive authority to manage and regulate tourism within our state,” he added.
