Hun Manet urges M'sia, Cambodia to bolster tourism synergy

PHNOM PENH: Malaysia and Cambodia plan to collaborate and explore untapped potentials in tourism, which is a key revenue-generating sector for both countries.
During a meeting with Malaysia's Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet urged both governments to explore opportunities to bolster tourism between the two countries.
'Both sides (need) to explore opportunities for sub-national tourism cooperation, such as city-to-city and province-to-province partnerships and to further promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange,' Manet told the visiting minister during the meeting at the Peace Palace on Thursday, reported state media Agence Kampuchea Presse.
Tiong was leading a delegation to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 to the Cambodian market.
Both ministers acknowledged the importance of tourism in fostering economic development and regional connectivity.
Tiong also made a courtesy call to Senate President Hun Sen at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh.
The former prime minister echoed the need for Cambodia and Malaysia to explore the untapped potential of tourism, for example, by increasing direct flights to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, reported the state media.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Borneo Post

12 hours ago

• Borneo Post

Pontianak-Kuching direct flights may resume soon, says Abdul Karim

(From left) Sherrina, Abdul Karim, Ting and Sharzede in a press conference at the festival. – Photo by Roystein Emmor SANTUBONG (June 21): Direct flights between Pontianak and Kuching may soon resume, following the Indonesian government's decision to reopen its airspace for the route. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, confirmed the development during a press conference today, saying Indonesia has now agreed to open up its skies for the Pontianak-Kuching sector. 'I'm very happy. It has been announced on that side that they are opening up their skies from Pontianak. 'You see, Indonesia, they have got their own way. The decree must come from the President. I'm not putting the blame on the previous President because we've been asking and asking, please start again the Pontianak-Kuching flight. But it was not given. 'And recently, I was made to understand that they are opening up their skies. So, it's up to the airlines to start operating again. So, probably there are a few that might be looking into it now because I know that sector is a very good sector. It does not benefit Sarawak only. It does not benefit Malaysia only. It also benefits the other side,' he said. Abdul Karim noted that reinstating the route would offer a major convenience for Sarawakians. 'A lot of Sarawakians now, instead of driving four, five hours to Pontianak, they might as well just fly half an hour. And that will definitely benefit the industry, the tourism industry in Pontianak,' he said. When asked whether the Sarawak government would encourage low-cost carriers like AirAsia to take up the route, Abdul Karim confirmed that discussions are ongoing. 'Of course, we will be. Not just AirAsia. Even airlines from Indonesia. Indonesia has got lots of budget airlines. If they are willing to participate in that, of course, we are very, very happy,' he said. He also highlighted growing demand along the Sarawak–Indonesia air corridor. 'You can see now that the flight from Kuching to Jakarta used to be once a day. Now, it's already twice a day. And the loading is very high. Either way. So, there's big potential there,' he said. Also present were State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting; the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Husaini; and Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah direct flights Kuching Pontianak

The Star

15 hours ago

• The Star

Cambodia's Hun Sen warns Thailand on oil export suspension

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has strongly responded to a recent proposal by Thailand's opposition party calling for the Thai government to halt oil exports to Cambodia. In a Facebook post on Friday (June 20), Hun Sen rejected the idea, firmly stating that Cambodia would not collapse if it ceased receiving oil from Thailand. He also warned that such a move could backfire on Thailand, particularly affecting Thai companies, such as PTT, which operates gas stations in Cambodia. "This is a dangerous game that may end up backfiring," Hun Sen wrote. "Today, the Thai opposition party has suggested that the Thai government stop selling oil to Cambodia, hoping to pressure us into submission. "We want to make it clear that Cambodia will not fall apart just because we stop buying oil from Thailand. In fact, PTT, a Thai company operating in Cambodia, may feel the impact first." Hun Sen further cautioned that if Thailand implemented this measure, it could force PTT to rely on oil imports from other countries to maintain its operations in Cambodia. He also suggested that the Cambodian government consider diversifying its oil sources and reducing dependence on Thailand for other goods. "I advise the government to seriously consider reducing imports from Thailand. "If the border issues remain unresolved, Cambodia should suspend imports of all canned products from Thailand, including alcoholic drinks, energy drinks, canned fish, and meat, and turn to domestic products or goods from other countries," he added. Hun Sen also highlighted that energy was not the only area of contention. He recalled how Thailand had previously used internet access, electricity, and Cambodian labour as political tools. He remarked that Thailand had once used Cambodian workers as leverage, but now seemed to be more conciliatory, recognising the severe impact it would face if Cambodian workers were sent back. "If you truly dare, try sending all Cambodian workers back and see how Thailand's economy fares," he challenged. Finally, Hun Sen called on the Cambodian people to look beyond the present and plan long-term, especially with regard to economic influence being used as a political tool. He urged the country to prepare for future challenges and the potential misuse of economic power in regional geopolitics. "Let us plan for the future, beyond 2030, and be ready for any situation where economic influence is used as a political weapon," Hun Sen concluded. - The Nation/ANN

Daily Express

15 hours ago

• Daily Express

Integrity must be embedded in all levels of Sabah's administration: Tun Musa

Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Musa confers Sabah's highest state award, the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK), on Jahid. - fotoBERNAMA KOTA KINABALU: Integrity must be upheld across all levels of administration and leadership in Sabah to maintain public trust in government institutions, said Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman. He said it is his aspiration to see the state governed with integrity, accountability and wisdom, supported by sustainable development plans that prioritise the people's well-being. 'I believe with strong leadership and the support of the people, Sabah will continue to grow and prosper,' he said in a special address in conjunction with his 74th official birthday here today. He delivered the address at the 2025 Sabah Investiture Ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu, where 60 individuals received state awards, medals and honours. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other state leaders. Tun Musa emphasised the need to strengthen development efforts to ensure sustainable and inclusive progress, through close cooperation between the government and the people. Advertisement He also stressed the importance of addressing global challenges through progressive approaches, including the promotion of technological innovation, development of quality human capital, and the building of a resilient economy 'Building a dynamic and competitive society is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the state's development,' he said. He further called for continued unity among the people, describing it as the foundation for peace and progress in Sabah. Tun Musa also commended Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his Cabinet for their commitment to advancing the state in line with a more inclusive and sustainable development agenda. Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim led today's honours list after being conferred the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK), which carries the title 'Datuk Seri Panglima'. Businessmen Datuk Ahmad Fuad Md Ali and Datuk Albert Lim Yu Ming were also awarded the SPDK. A total of 37 individuals received the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK), which confers the title 'Datuk'. Among the recipients were Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Dr Fuziah Salleh and Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang. Other PGDK recipients included Senator Anna Bell@Suzieana Perian, Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim, Amanah Sabah chairman Lahirul Latigu, Kota Kinabalu High Court Judge Alexander Siew How Wai, Sabah Special Branch chief SAC Abdul Rahman Ishak, State Health director Dr Maria Suleiman, and veteran journalist Emin Madi of Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Sabah Bureau. The first session of the investiture ceremony also saw five individuals receiving the Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK), four each receiving the Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (ADK) and Bintang Setia Kinabalu (BSK), and six receiving the Justice of the Peace (JP) title. Earlier, Musa, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, attended the parade held in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah at Padang Merdeka. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia