Kadamaian rapidly developing, poised to become Sabah’s new tourism destination: Ewon

18 May 2026

KOTA BELUD: The Kadamaian state constituency, which is undergoing rapid development, has the potential to become Sabah’s newest tourist destination, said Kadamaian Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick.

The Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport said a range of development projects are ongoing in Kadamaian, including construction of schools and clinics, road works and land ownership programmes in the villages.

He said the Government will also begin rapid land titling (PANTAS) in two more sub-districts in Kadamaian this year, and two major road projects are expected to enter the procurement stage by the end of the year.

“I am confident that in the coming years we will be able to bring even more development to Kadamaian for the welfare of the local people,” he said.

He made the remarks to reporters after officiating the Kota Belud District Kaamatan celebration at Kadamaian Square here.

Ewon listed key projects that are ongoing or completed in Kadamaian, including construction and upgrades to Jalan Sayap, Jalan Terintidon, Jalan Podos and Jalan Komburaon, as well as the Melangkap bridge and a bridge in Kaung.

Over the past four years, a variety of projects have been realised, including upgrades to main roads, bridge construction and land titling under the PANTAS programme covering several villages in Melangkap and Sayap.

“Several dilapidated schools have now been replaced with concrete buildings, while village clinics have also been improved to provide greater comfort for residents."

“Village market facilities that were previously just earth-floored have also been upgraded to improve conditions for traders and visitors,” he said.

He added that these developments form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to raise living standards, especially in rural areas.

“These are among the initiatives we have pursued over the past four years and we will continue development efforts in the years ahead,” he said.

Ewon also highlighted the significant tourism potential in Kadamaian, particularly viewpoints offering vistas of Mount Kinabalu from Kota Belud.

“Most people know Mount Kinabalu from the Ranau side such as Kundasang, Bundu Tuhan and Mesilou.

“Few Sabahans realise that the view of Mount Kinabalu from Kota Belud and Kadamaian is equally beautiful,” he said.

He said discussions with Sabah Parks and the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment have proposed developing a third Mount Kinabalu climbing route from Kadamaian.

“I am confident that once this route is completed, Kadamaian will become a tourism destination able to compete with Mesilou and Kundasang,” he said.

He added that developing tourism would also create opportunities for residents in the highland areas to improve their land for agriculture and tourism purposes.

On the Kaamatan celebration, Ewon said the festival symbolises not only the rice harvest but also achievements in the economy, education, development and public services.

He said all these successes require unity and harmony, particularly in Sabah which is home to diverse ethnicities, races and religions.

“We should take pride in Sabah’s ethnic diversity, and that spirit should be reflected not only in celebrations like this but in everyday life,” he said.

He noted that the Kota Belud District Kaamatan celebration reflected strong unity among the district’s multi-ethnic population.

“The presence of communities including Dusun, Tobilung, Bajau, Iranun, Sino and Chinese demonstrates that harmony in Kota Belud remains robust."

“Kaamatan is not only a cultural festival but also an important medium for strengthening unity and togetherness among the people."

“I see the participation of Kota Belud’s many ethnic groups as evidence of the district’s strong cohesion,” he said.