Sabah working to restore KK-Japan direct flights, says Jafry

KOTA KINABALU (April 10): Sabah is pushing for the restoration of direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and Japan as part of efforts to revive tourist arrivals from the East Asian nation, said Datuk Jafry Ariffin.

The Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister pointed out Japanese tourist arrivals have declined in recent years due to the lack of direct air links.

“In the past, there were flights from Kuala Lumpur transiting through Kota Kinabalu to Japan. We will make efforts to request the relevant transport authorities, particularly Malaysia Airlines, to reinstate this route,” he told reporters after launching The Japan Foundation’s cultural travelling exhibition ‘I Love Sushi’ at the Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum here.

He said while previous circumstances, including global challenges, had disrupted direct connectivity, the Sabah government remains committed to restoring at least a Kuala Lumpur–Kota Kinabalu–Japan route.

“We will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister of Transport as well as Malaysia Airlines to ensure that this route can be reinstated. This is important as it can boost the tourism sector, especially by attracting more visitors to Sabah and Malaysia,” he said.

Jafry noted that AirAsia had previously operated direct flights from Kota Kinabalu to Hokkaido, and engagement with the airline is also being considered.

“However, at the moment, we are still facing global challenges such as the fuel crisis, which poses constraints to such efforts. Nevertheless, this will not stop us from continuing our efforts,” he said.

On Sabah’s broader ties with Japan, Jafry said the relationship extends beyond tourism.

“Japan and Malaysia, particularly Sabah, share a strong relationship, not only in cultural and tourism aspects but also in environmental conservation,” he said, adding that Japanese agencies and foundations have long supported conservation efforts in the state, including forest protection and environmental management.

“Our relationship is indeed close, and we continue to work together, especially in tourism, natural resources, and environmental conservation, which must be preserved collectively.”

In his speech, Jafry said the state government remains committed to strengthening Sabah’s position as a preferred tourism destination.

“The encouraging growth of the tourism industry in recent years clearly reflects that Sabah continues to be a preferred destination among travellers, both locally and globally, contributing positively to the state’s economic development,” he said.

On the ‘I Love Sushi’ exhibition organised by the Sabah State Museum Department in collaboration with The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur, Jafry said the exhibition offers visitors an immersive look into the history, culture, and artistry behind sushi, one of Japan’s most iconic dishes.

“Through visual displays, interactive materials, and a simulated sushi shop setting, visitors can experience the skill, balance of flavours, and creativity that make sushi unique today,” he said.

He noted that sushi has been recognised by Unesco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, underscoring its global cultural significance.

In Sabah, he said traditional dishes such as hinava are also recognised under Malaysia’s National Heritage Act 2005.

“Food is a universal language. Through initiatives like ‘I Love Sushi,’ we are reminded of how culinary traditions can bring people together, foster mutual respect, and deepen our understanding of different cultures across borders,” he said.

Jafry added that institutions such as the Sabah State Museum Department play a vital role in promoting both local and international heritage through exhibitions and educational programmes.

“In line with this mission, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah continues to play a crucial role in positioning Sabah as a leading cultural and tourism destination, while safeguarding heritage, arts, and environmental sustainability,” he added.