Tourism players have been advised to write to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Should they have any requests pertaining to the Sales and Services Tax (SST).

Suggestions from these parties would have to go through the proper channel in order to ensure that discussions are effectively conducted by the ministry, said Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.

He made this statement following grouses brought up by travel associations that insisted domestic flights be exempted from the SST. "This (SST) falls under the jurisdiction of the Finance Ministry but if there's any demand to be raised on SST, please write to us. We will discuss and try to find a solution," said Mohamaddin.

The minister addressed a number of reporters after attending the AirAsia Bangkok-Kota Kinabalu inaugural flight welcoming celebration at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) Terminal 1.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew and AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Riad Asmat were also present. During the event, Mohamaddin mentioned that the ministry was pleased AirAsia Thailand has expended its route into Sabah.

"Thailand is an important market for Malaysia with potential for growth, especially with the interest in travel among the Thais and the range of tourism products in Malaysia that cater to their needs.

"Sabah definitely has a lot of attractive offerings that appeal to Thai tourists. I hope the industry players in both countries will work together with AirAsia Thailand to promote Malaysia and vice versa to ensure the sustainability of this route," he said.