NGOs using social media to promote tourism in Sabah

Beyond Pitas, the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) responsible for social media campaign #PitasRoad, has come up with another campaign - this time to promote tourism in Sabah.

Using the #SabahOkBah and #VisitSabah hashtags, the NGO hopes to change the perception that Sabah is a dangerous place to visit following the recent spate of kidnappings in the East Coast of the state.

Beyond Pitas co-founder Justin Sunam-Wong said that they were calling on all Malaysians especially Sabahans, to show support to the local tourism industry and the state.

“The idea is to get people to take selfies across Malaysia and in Sabah with placards of the hashtags,” he told the Star Online.

He added that those wanting to show their support for the campaign are encouraged to post their pictures on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and the official Facebook page for the campaign, Sabah Ok Bah.

Tourism is Sabah’s third largest and one of the state’s most important income-generating sectors.

Sunam-Wong said that Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz’s comments that the government would not guarantee the safety of those visiting Sabah has had a negative impact on the state.

“Sabah is generally safe.  Is Sabah free of crime? Of course not.

“But no place in the world is 100% safe. There would always be bad apples ready to commit crimes of opportunity,” he said, adding that everyone should be vigilant when visiting new places.

Sunam-Wong said that there were many places to visit in the West-Coast of Sabah, far from where the kidnappings happened, such as the Kinabalu National Park, Kuala Penyu and Pulau Tiga.

“Sabah is not under siege. Besides, we have the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) guarding our borders now. The government has recently allocated huge sums for Esscom to do its job. We have full confidence in them,” he said.

He added that despite the unfortunate kidnappings, some still visited the East Coast of Sabah, which is famous for its diving sites.

Sunam-Wong also said that those involved in the campaign hoped to spread positive vibes and help tourism in the state.

“Like our favourite Sabahan saying, 'Siapa lagi kalau bukan kita bah' (Who else if not us?),” he said.

The campaign has attracted the attention of many, including local celebrity Daphne Iking, who has tweeted her support for the campaign.

In an interview, Iking said that despite having lived in Klang Valley for over a decade, Sabah would always remain her home.

“If we are able to convince other Malaysians and friends to be part of this campaign, it will go viral and the message will be passed on... Yes. I believe the campaign can work. We need faith and hope,” she said.

Iking added that she will be going back to Sabah end of the month and hoped to convince more families and friends to join the campaign.

“So #sabahOkBah and #VisitSabah can bring awareness. We need more Sabahan leaders to get onboard now,” she said.