By Dr. Hj Ramli Amir, former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and Vice President of CILT International for Southeast Asia
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity, making it one of Malaysia’s top eco-tourism destinations. In 2019, the state welcomed over 4.19 million visitors, contributing RM 9.01 billion to its economy. While Sabah continues to draw tourists with attractions like Mount Kinabalu, its rainforests, and stunning marine parks, several challenges threaten the visitor experience and the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry. This article outlines key issues and offers solutions to ensure that Sabah remains an attractive and sustainable destination for years to come.
Safety and Security Concerns
Safety remains a primary concern for tourists, with recent incidents raising alarm. In 2023, over 13 tourist-related accidents were reported, involving activities like boating and scuba diving. A notable incident on Pulau Timba-Timba, where a boat carrying tourists overturned, and a drowning incident involving foreign tourists in Kudat highlighted safety gaps in water-based tourism activities.
Further, 2024 saw accidents involving adventure tourism such as paragliding and scuba diving, which again fuelled concerns about inadequate safety measures. Although Sabah is a paradise for adventure seekers, the risks call for stricter enforcement of safety protocols. The tourism sector must prioritise internationally accepted safety standards, conduct rigorous training for service providers, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Additionally, crime in urban areas like Kota Kinabalu has emerged as a growing issue. In 2023, there were over 30 reported cases of muggings and robberies, many involving tourists. Recent brutal attacks on visitors have also raised concerns. To maintain its reputation as a safe tourist destination, Sabah needs to boost security in tourist-heavy areas with increased police presence, better lighting, and more accessible safety resources for tourists.
Environmental Issues
Sabah’s natural environment is one of its biggest attractions, but pollution and environmental degradation threaten its ecological balance. In Semporna, famous for its diving sites, 90% of marine debris is plastic, and nearly 20 tonnes of waste were collected from beaches during a single clean-up event. This pollution not only affects the aesthetic appeal of Sabah’s waters but also endangers marine life, including the coral reefs essential to the region’s biodiversity. Immediate action is needed to address marine pollution through stricter waste management regulations and awareness campaigns targeting both locals and tourists on the importance of environmental protection.
Deforestation is another pressing concern. From 2000 to 2020, Sabah lost approximately 1.4 million hectares of forest, primarily due to palm oil expansion. This deforestation has impacted the region’s biodiversity, threatening numerous species. While Sabah’s economy is heavily reliant on palm oil, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices that balance economic interests with the preservation of its natural resources. Promoting eco-friendly accommodations and stricter environmental regulations in tourism could help mitigate these impacts.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Tourist satisfaction is also influenced by the state of infrastructure and public facilities. In heavily visited areas like Mamutik Island, tourists have complained about inadequate and unsanitary conditions in facilities such as toilets. A 2022 survey revealed that 35% of tourists rated Sabah’s public facilities as unsatisfactory. These issues detract from the overall experience, especially when visitors expect high standards in eco-tourism destinations.
Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, has also faced infrastructure challenges, particularly water shortages. In 2023, water supply issues were reported in 15% of hotels in the central business district, with low water pressure affecting tourist accommodations. These basic but crucial infrastructure challenges need to be addressed to improve visitor experiences. Investments in sanitation, water supply systems, and public amenities are essential to meeting the expectations of both local and international visitors.
Transportation Challenges
Transportation continues to be a major hurdle for tourists navigating Sabah. Kota Kinabalu lacks a centralised bus system, and limited bus terminals make it difficult for visitors to find reliable and efficient transport. A 2023 survey revealed that 42% of international tourists found Sabah’s public transportation system difficult to use, largely due to a lack of clear information on bus routes, schedules, and stops. The outdated buses also fail to provide the level of comfort expected by many international tourists.
Additionally, taxis in Kota Kinabalu present another challenge, with many drivers reluctant to follow fare regulations, leading to frequent disputes over pricing. In 2022, 28% of tourists reported dissatisfaction with taxi services due to fare inconsistencies. To enhance mobility and address these issues, a complete overhaul of the public transport system is necessary. The introduction of eco-friendly options like electric buses would not only reduce environmental impact but also improve the comfort and reliability of tourist transportation.
Service Quality and Pricing
Tourists have also raised concerns about discrepancies between service quality and pricing. In popular areas like Semporna, visitors have reported being charged exorbitant prices for services that fail to meet basic standards. A 2023 study on tourist satisfaction found that 30% of visitors felt the prices they paid did not match the quality of service they received. While Sabah is often seen as an affordable destination, such practices risk damaging its reputation. Service providers must be held accountable to higher standards, and price regulations should be enforced to ensure fair and transparent pricing.
Cleanliness, Overcrowding, and Cultural Preservation
Cleanliness is a critical aspect of tourism, and concerns have been raised about waste management in both urban and natural tourist sites. A 2022 environmental audit revealed that 45% of popular tourist spots had cleanliness issues due to improper waste disposal. In some cases, the problem extends to remote islands where tourists expect pristine environments. Enhancing waste management practices in both urban and rural areas will improve the visitor experience.
Overcrowding is another concern, particularly at popular attractions like Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, which saw over 500,000 visitors in 2023. This influx puts pressure on facilities and natural resources, diminishing the quality of the tourist experience. Managing tourist numbers through timed entry systems or visitor caps would help preserve these areas while maintaining a high standard of visitor experience.
Moreover, cultural preservation is becoming a growing issue. As tourism rises, concerns about the commercialisation of local cultures have surfaced. Tourists visiting Sabah for authentic cultural experiences have expressed disappointment with the commodified versions of local traditions. A 2021 survey found that 40% of tourists felt cultural experiences lacked authenticity. Community-based tourism, which directly involves local communities in offering genuine cultural experiences, could help preserve Sabah’s rich heritage while benefiting local economies.
Tourist Experiences in Sabah’s Conservation Areas
Sabah’s conservation areas, such as Danum Valley, Maliau Basin, and Mount Kinabalu, offer unparalleled natural beauty and unique wildlife experiences. However, tourists have reported challenges during their visits. Danum Valley visitors have highlighted slow and complex booking processes and basic facilities that may not meet the expectations of all tourists. Maliau Basin, known as the “Lost World of Sabah,” poses additional challenges, with expensive guide fees and arduous treks, while Mount Kinabalu remains physically demanding, with many visitors underestimating the difficulty of the climb. Despite these challenges, tourists continue to flock to these destinations for their exceptional natural experiences.
Conclusion
Sabah is globally recognised for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage. However, challenges such as safety concerns, environmental degradation, infrastructure deficiencies, transportation issues, and inconsistent service quality highlight the need for targeted improvements. By addressing these issues, Sabah can enhance its tourism industry, ensuring that it remains competitive, sustainable, and capable of meeting the evolving expectations of visitors while preserving its unique natural and cultural resources for future generations.
