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Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s tourism industry is beginning to feel the strain from rising fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with operators reporting early signs of declining bookings and higher transport expenses, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin (pic).

He said tourism players across the state are already affected as increased fuel prices drive up transportation costs for both land and sea travel.

Jafry said operators are feeling the pressure and are awaiting further action from the federal government following an upcoming intervention meeting chaired by the Prime Minister.

He described tourism as the backbone of Sabah’s economy and said the ministry is prepared to present relevant data at the meeting to help formulate appropriate measures, while warning that the impact will be significant if fuel prices continue to rise.

He added that many boat and transport operators have begun passing on higher costs, with bookings already affected locally and globally, and urged the public to remain calm and spend prudently while expressing hope the situation will not escalate into a second economic shock similar to the Covid-19 pandemic.