KOTA KINABALU: Known as the Iron Lady of Sabah tourism, the late Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks will always be remembered for her contributions towards turning the state into a renowned national and international tourist destination.
From her former colleagues at the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to tourism industry players and government officials, all agree she was the driving force behind the rise of Sabah as a top tourism destination in Malaysia.
Charuruks, who passed away at 4pm on Monday (Feb 15) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after a brief and sudden illness, helmed the STB as general manager for 25 years before her retirement five years ago in March 2016.