Kota Kinabalu: An Indian Consulate in Sabah will enhance tourism as well as trade and bilateral ties between Sabah and India, said Sabah Indian Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry advisor Datuk Abdul Kadir M.E. Sikkandar.
He said Sabah is well-positioned to tap into this rapidly expanding outbound travel market and many top destinations are already benefiting from the surge in Indian tourists.
“I just came back from Bangkok and my wife and I were surprised to see many Indian tourists from Safari Parks to tourist attractions. In a dolphin show, about 9,000 out of 10,000 attendees were Indians.
“So, if this proposal is realised in Sabah, it will greatly benefit tourism,” he said, noting that he hardly sees Indian tourists visiting Sabah.
Andul Kadir, who is Kumpulan BTC Berhad Managing Director, said this at the company’s blood donation program at BTC Bistro Inanam here. Some 50 BTC staff took part to help government hospitals replenish its blood supply.
Abdul Kadir cited Singapore, Dubai and Bangkok as among destinations that attract high number of Indian tourists although these cities are relatively costly.
“Many Indian families are known to host destination weddings and large-scale events overseas. I remember rich Indians once booked a whole five-star resort in Sabah for a wedding which reflected their high spending capacity.
“They even brought a famous Bollywood actor to enliven the celebration,” he said.
“Do not underestimate Indian tourists. They are not low-spending travellers. Many are filthy rich and willing to spend their money abroad and travel quite luxuriously.
Even Singapore which is known to be quite expensive is filled with Indian tourists. When I mentioned about Sabah to them, they asked me ‘Where is Sabah?’
“They know Langkawi but not Sabah,” Abdul Kadir said, adding these Indians love natural attractions and islands as well as beaches and Sabah can also offer its tropical rainforests, beautiful islands and pristine jungle rich with diversity of flora and fauna and wildlife species.
Callling the opposers shortsighted, he said Sabah can outshine many artificial destinations such as Singapore that showcase indoor gardens and constructed jungles.
“I showed them images of our beautiful beaches, islands and Mount Kinabalu. They were surprised and showed interest in visiting Sabah.
“If only we can attract even 0.1 per cent, it would already make a tremendous impact on Sabah’s tourism industry.”
Besides tourism, Abdul Kadir said the proposed Consulate would also open trade potentials between Sabah and India.
“Sabah has been exporting palm oil to India, hence, there is a potential to export many local products, too.
“Indian investors are already committing billions of dollars to neighbouring countries such as Indonesia. We must position Sabah not only as a tourism destination but also as an attractive investment hub. Abdul Kadir also hoped for direct flights from Kota Kinabalu to Chennai or Mumbai so as to improve connectivity.
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