Collaboration Key to Boost City Tourism

Joniston receiving a souvenir made from recycled materials from Merakit Daat team, led by president Michelle de la Harpe.

12 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Strong collaboration between government agencies, local authorities and community organisations is essential to strengthen tourism offerings within the state capital, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), said cooperation between STB, Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and non-governmental organisations can help ensure tourism development in the city is inclusive, well-managed and beneficial to local communities.

“As Kota Kinabalu moves towards its smart city aspirations, it is equally important that villages within and around the coastal capital are clean, organised and visually appealing, as they also form part of the visitor experience,” he said.

Joniston, whose portfolio includes overseeing DBKK, said community-driven initiatives can play a key role in beautifying villages while also creating new tourism products that highlight local culture, creativity, and environmental awareness.

He cited the work carried out by NGO Merakit Daat Initiative in Pulau Gaya as a good example of how collaboration between the community, STB and DBKK can help uplift village surroundings while exploring tourism potential.

“The commitment shown by Merakit Daat in working closely with the community is commendable. Their consistent efforts to improve the village environment demonstrate how grassroots initiatives can contribute positively to the city’s tourism landscape,” he said.

On Wednesday (March 11), Merakit Daat team led by president Michelle de la Harpe met Joniston to brief him on the progress of the organisation’s ongoing initiatives in Pulau Gaya.

Also present were DBKK Solid Waste Department director Leong Tse Fui and STB Product Division senior manager Effendi Mahany, where discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to support community-driven tourism and environmental programmes.

During the meeting, Michelle expressed appreciation to STB for providing financial assistance for a painting project to be carried out at a volleyball court on Pulau Gaya, which was newly designed as part of a community competition organised in December last year.

She also briefed that the organisation had completed a 130-metre walkway constructed using recycled marine debris, stretching from the jetty to the volleyball court area.

The walkway project received recognition from the United Nations Development Programme for its innovative environmental approach.

.