NAVY WANTS STB TO PROMOTE MARITIME TOURISM

KOTA KINABALU (Malaysia), April 2 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) wants the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to promote maritime tourism in the East Malaysian state of Sabah, especially in Kota Kinabalu, its capital city.

Region 2 Navy Headquarters Chief of Staff, RMN Captain Yeow Ho Siong said
maritime as a tourism product was important in raising public awareness on the
aspect of maritime security and the role of the agency pertaining to maritime in
protecting national waters.

"We want the community to understand the role and activities carried out by
the RMN so that they will continue to support our efforts in maintaining
national security," he said at a press conference on the RMN Freedom of Entry to
the City, here Thursday.

In addition, Yeow said Kota Kinabalu was suitable to be turned into a major
centre to promote maritime tourism in view of its location on the west coast of
the state.

"We want Kota Kinabalu to be turned as a major port to be visited by
tourists.

"Based on experience, navy ships of the other countries liked to call at
Kota Kinabalu Port because of its strategic location which is near the city.

"This also indicates that maritime tourism can be developed in Kota
Kinabalu," he said.

STB chairman Tengku Zainal Adlin said maritime tourism should be
promoted because an increasing number of yachts had chosen Kota Kinabalu as a
port of call.

"We have received private vessels belonging to Hollywood artistes berthing
at Kota Kinabalu Port and it is expected that eight yachts and private vessels
will be berthing this month and next month," he said.

The Freedom of Entry To The City ceremony by the RMN would be held on April
18 at the Segama Waterfront, here.
-- BERNAMA