KOTA KINABALU: Sabah and Penang are looking into the possibility of establishing a Friendship City relationship to further boost the tourism industry in both states.

       Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the initiative was relevant as both Sabah and Penang are rebuilding and strengthening their tourism sectors.

       “Given that both states have one of the busiest international airports, such an exchange programme is a strategic approach to help bring in more domestic and international travellers while also increasing tourism receipts

       “While we welcome tourists into Sabah, we also encourage them to explore other parts of the country,” said Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman.

       He said tourists could easily fly between Penang and Kota Kinabalu International Airport to experience the thriving arts scene, food and culture, and then travel to other Malaysian states.

       Bangkuai stated that the Friendship City initiative would improve tourism-related collaboration.

       “I hope to meet with the Kota Kinabalu Mayor soon to discuss the proposal,” he said.

       On Tuesday (Dec 21), he met with the Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace) Yeoh Soon Hin in Penang.

       During the meeting, they discussed the potential of establishing a Friendship City between Kota Kinabalu and George Town, among others.

       Also present were Sabah Tourism Board chief marketing officer Tay Shu Lan, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, who arranged the meeting, and Petace coordinating officer Grace Teoh.

       Sabah and Penang are well connected by air, with AirAsia operating double daily flights and Malaysia Airlines flying four times a week.