13 February 2026 KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government is stepping up enforcement against unlicensed tourism premises in Semporna, with firm action to be taken against operators who fail to comply with existing regulations. State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Jafry Ariffin, said the Ministry views the matter seriously and has moved to tighten enforcement following a review of the situation in the district. Speaking after chairing a Task Force meeting at th

13 February 2026 KOTA KINABALU: As the Fire Horse Lunar Year unfolds, wellness advocate Cleopatra Lajawai believes the season offers more than celebration, it offers an invitation to pause. “The Fire Horse is often associated with dynamic energy,” she said. “But this year, it reminds us that strength must be grounded. Intention must come before movement.” According to Cleopatra who is the Chief executive officer (CEO) of AEI Wellness Sdn Bhd dan QiMag Wholistic Professionals

12 February 2026 KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Wildlife Department has taken enforcement action following reports of a Sun Bear being kept at a public attraction and the possession of bear parts in Lahad Datu. The department received a complaint on 11 February regarding a Facebook video showing a Sun Bear at a public venue. Acting on the tip-off, officers conducted a raid on 12 February under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 (WCE 1997). The operation uncovered a Sun Bear c

12 February 2026 KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Skin Cancer Conference (SSCC) 2026 is set to take place at the Shangri-La Hotel, Tanjung Aru, bringing together healthcare professionals and experts in dermatology and oncology for a comprehensive scientific meeting focused on skin cancer care. Scheduled for 4 July 2026, the conference will feature a series of lectures covering current developments, clinical advances and multidisciplinary approaches in the detection, management and pr

12 February 2026 KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) should review and revitalise its sister city agreements with cities worldwide. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai whose portfolio includes overseeing DBKK, said Kota Kinabalu could better leverage its international partnerships to enhance its standing as a vibrant tourism hub while promoting cultural exchange and urban economic growth. Citing China, Sabah’s largest tourism market, as

12 February 2026 KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has reached a historic milestone in neurosurgical care with the successful performance of an awake brain aneurysm clipping procedure, one of the most advanced brain operations ever undertaken in Borneo. The high-risk and highly specialised surgery was carried out on 6 February 2026 through a collaboration between Hospital Queen Elizabeth II (HQE II) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The procedure was led by Consultant Neurosurgeon (Dr

12 February 2026 KOTA KINABALU: A Chinese national who pleaded guilty to overstaying in Malaysia was deported three weeks after paying a court-imposed fine, prompting his lawyer to call for clearer information on procedures governing post-sentencing deportation. Hu Youhui, 31, was detained at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on 5 January 2026 while attempting to return to China. He was stopped by Immigration authorities for overstaying his permitted period of stay.

12 February 2026 KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Sabah Chapter will host the MATTA Fair Sabah 2026 from 17 to 19 April at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), bringing together travel deals, tour packages, flight promotions and hospitality offers under one roof. Organising Chairman of MATTA Fair Sabah 2026, Mohd Azlan Saleh Abd Salam, said the three-day fair aims to further strengthen Sabah’s position as a key tourism de