KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Tourism Board general manager Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks, who played a pivotal role in transforming the tourism industry here when she held the post for 25 years, passed away on Monday (Feb 15).

It was learnt that Charuruks, who just turned 70 last week, passed away at 4.12pm on Monday (Feb 15) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.