Sabahans are urged to embrace technology and adopt the online platform to conduct business.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said in many places in the world where he has been, businesses that use the traditional retail platform are being challenged.

"I have been in London recently on official duty and I noticed the large mall I have always visited in the past is no longer attracting the huge throng of patrons that it used to. The reason is people now opt to shop online. And in Singapore, the same scenario applies - huge malls are closing down because of changes in consumer preference who now opt to order and make their purchase online. I also read a 2015 Canadian study which mentioned about 90 percent of entrepreneurs in the country had to stop their physical business entity because of e-business" he said at the TMpoint Sabah Open Day held at Sadong Jaya on Tuesday, 12 December.

"Hence, we need to plan for e-business from now and we need to change our perception. Only then will we see a better future…e-biz can transform our way of doing business" he said.

Masidi reminded that the younger generation prefers making online purchases and do not like to venture outdoors.

"Even airlines are doing things online and by automation. In Malaysia, we can still get (human) assistance (while checking in), but elsewhere (it's all automated). We need to educate ourselves and follow the trend.”

Masidi commended the folks in Ranau for having embraced the online way of doing business, particularly those who have ventured into a homestay.

"The kampung folks are now doing business online…it is not a question of having been in the university but rather our preparedness in doing business online" he said.

Later during a press conference, Masidi urged Telekom Malaysia Berhad to consider extending the Unifi services to Kundasang, Ranau and the Kinabalu National Park, which he said are tourist attractions.

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (Sabah) General Manager Sukkuriya Masri replied that the matter is being discussed with the relevant authority.

He also said that TM was offering its Unifi Edu package for students between 18 and 25 years old.

To apply for the package, students must produce their student identification, he said.

The package will be available until Dec 31, next year.