KDCA Urged to Boost Sabah Tourism Amid Global Turmoil

3 May 2026

MELAKA: The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Peninsular Malaysia has been urged to back Sabah Tourism Board (STB) efforts to ramp up domestic tourism amid global uncertainties, including Middle East conflicts.

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and STB Chairman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, stressed the need to leverage Sabah’s unique cultures, traditions, and culinary heritage as key draws.

“In these times, we must bolster domestic tourism by showcasing Sabah’s strengths,” he said while officiating KDCA Melaka’s Kaamatan celebration here on Saturday.

Also present were KDCA Central Working Committee member Stanis Buandi, Women Council chairperson Datuk Joanna Kitingan, Melaka KDCA chairperson Scholistika Chin, and Johor KDCA chairman Hendrrick Utoi.

The event drew Sabahans in Melaka alongside local communities.

Joniston highlighted Sabah’s ethnic diversity, natural beauty, and authentic experiences as national tourist magnets.

He noted that KDCA President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has recorded a video promoting the Kaamatan Festival internationally.

STB will collaborate closely with cultural groups to keep Sabah’s tourism resilient and competitive, he added.

He called on KDCA’s seven Peninsular branches, in Putrajaya, Klang Valley, Johor, Perak, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan, to serve as grassroots ambassadors.

“This network can expand our promotional reach and draw more domestic visitors,” he said.

Joniston linked this year’s Kaamatan theme, “Kaamatan Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony,” to fostering multi-ethnic ties.

He encouraged Peninsular KDCA branches to invite diverse local communities to celebrations, promoting Sabah’s culture while building unity.

He also urged Sabahans abroad to support and attend other communities’ events, demonstrating respect, openness, and togetherness.