KOTA KINABALU: More support is pouring in for the proposed revival of the stalled Mazu (Goddess of the Sea) project – this time from the association representing tourism players who know the industry best.The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) said it is what Sabah badly needs right now post-Covid with neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines in fierce competition for scarce tourist dollars. The association concurred with Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew and local residents of Kudat in suggesting that it may be time to revisit the project which was cancelled midway by a previous government 17 years ago.

Matta’s national President Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the “Goddess of the Sea” statue would definitely benefit Sabah’s tourism industry and uplift the livelihood of many in Kudat that is now ranked as among the Sabah’s poorest districts.“Kudat will experience a tourism boom if the project is revived and successfully completed,” Matta said.... Read more..