Sabah assistant tourism, culture and environment minister Joniston Bangkuai said this was a strategic initiative to woo more domestic and international travellers.

He said both states had one of the busiest international airports to make this possible.

Yesterday, a delegation led by Bangkuai was in Penang to meet with Penang state exco for tourism and creative economy Yeoh Soon Hin.

Sabah and Penang are well connected by air, with AirAsia operating double daily flights and Malaysia Airlines flying four times a week.

“Both states have distinct tourism offerings that we can help promote,” said Bangkuai, who is also the Sabah Tourism Board chairman.

“While we welcome tourists to Sabah, we also encourage them to explore other parts of the country.”

He said the “friendship city” initiative between George Town and Kota Kinabalu would improve tourism-related collaboration.

A media familiarisation trip could be organised to help in the promotion of Sabah and Penang.