A new Wisma Budaya to replace the old one

25 June 2025

KOTA KINABALU: A 22-storey new Wisma Budaya (Cultural Heritage Building) is in development at the same site along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, in the heart of the city, to replace the current dilapidated structure.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, announced this following the signing of a Financial Agreement between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Sabah Parks Board of Trustees, Sabah Tourism Board (STB), and Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS) at the Ministry's Conference Room on Wednesday.

The signatories included the Permanent Secretary to KePKAS, Datuk Josie Lai; Director of Sabah Parks Board of Trustees, Datuk Dr Maklarin Lakim; Chief Executive Officer of STB, Julinus Jeffery Jimit; and the General Manager of LKNS, Mackey Apison, who signed on behalf of their respective organisations.

“This is a significant milestone for Sabah’s tourism and cultural sectors. We will soon demolish the existing Wisma Budaya to make way for a modern, state-of-the-art building equipped with Information Technology (IT) and Audio-Visual (AV) facilities, among other features.“

“If all goes according to plan, the project should be completed within two years. Once finished, KePKAS will have its own dedicated premises. It will relocate to the new building, which will also house all the agencies under the Ministry,” Liew stated, suggesting that it be named Wisma Pelancongan & Kebudayaan.

Also present at the event were Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; Chairman of the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees, Datuk Peter Lintar; Chairman of the Sabah Cultural Board, Dikin Hj Musah; and the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary 1, Mary Malangking.