Kiulu Sets Benchmark for Community-Based Tourism, Says STB Chairman

11 November 2025

KIULU: Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has praised the unity and collaboration of the Kiulu community for transforming the constituency into a model of community-based tourism — not only for Sabah but for Malaysia as a whole.

He said the combined efforts of villagers, tourism operators, and local associations have strengthened Kiulu’s reputation as a leading example of sustainable rural tourism while creating real economic opportunities for its residents.

“What makes Kiulu remarkable is not just its natural beauty, but the unity of its people,” he said during a dialogue session attended by around 80 representatives from the Kiulu Tourism Association.

“I encourage the community to keep identifying tourism products that add value, to continue planning for Kiulu’s tourism growth — particularly through agro-tourism — and to further efforts to internationalise our local tourism offerings,” he added.

Also present were Kiulu Tourism Association President Meijin Maginggow and STB Product Unit Assistant Manager Christina Wong.

Joniston, who is the incumbent Kiulu Assemblyman and in his final week as STB Chairman, said the Board would continue to support and empower rural tourism communities, especially in promoting locally driven initiatives.

“Leadership may change, but our commitment remains. I am confident STB will continue to partner with communities like Kiulu to guide, empower, and ensure that tourism growth remains sustainable, inclusive, and internationally recognised,” he said.

Meanwhile, Meijin commended Joniston’s years of dedication to developing rural and community-based tourism in Kiulu, noting that his leadership has turned local aspirations into tangible achievements.

“In the past, tourism was only a dream, but today we are living that dream. The community is now enjoying the benefits,” he said.

“Without Datuk Joniston’s early efforts, Kiulu might still be relying solely on private companies,” Meijin added, noting that community-based tourism initiatives have so far created more than 400 job opportunities.

Joniston is expected to contest the Kiulu state seat in the upcoming Sabah state election, with nomination day set for 15 November and polling day on 29 November.