Sabah Tourism Generates RM3.3 Bln In First Five Months Of 2025

SEMPORNA, July 6 (Bernama) -- Sabah has generated RM3.3 billion in tourism receipts after recording around 1.44 million visitor arrivals between January and May this year - a positive sign that the state’s tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, supported by the collective efforts of security agencies, local communities, and industry players.

Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said that the steady rise in visitor arrivals, particularly from international markets, is closely tied to Sabah’s strong security framework, which is diligently maintained by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom).

He added that Sabah has recorded zero kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in recent years, underscoring ESSCom’s commitment to safeguarding the state’s waters and local communities.

“This complements the continuous efforts of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to position Sabah as a safe and welcoming destination,” he said in a statement issued after accompanying Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and foreign delegates on a site visit to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) on Saturday (July 5).

Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), said that according to the latest STB figures, international visitors accounted for 559,150 arrivals, while domestic tourists contributed 879,420 arrivals. Among international markets, China remained Sabah’s top source, with 243,688 visitors, followed by South Korea, with 76,685 arrivals.

He also highlighted a strong increase in tourist arrivals from Europe, which recorded 35,240 visitors in the first five months of this year - a 25.6 per cent rise compared with the same period last year.

The top European source markets included the United Kingdom and Ireland, with 13,910 arrivals, followed by Germany (3,854) and France (2,750). Meanwhile, the United States contributed 9,356 arrivals, and Canada recorded 2,949 arrivals.

--BERNAMA