Penampang Tourism encouraged to gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026

23 May 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: Penampang tourism operators are encouraged to take the opportunity to tap the potential for tourism development in the region.

Minister Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Datuk Ewon Benedick said there should be proactive measures to capitalise on this opportunity.

Speaking during when launching the Penampang Harvest Festival Celebration at Buhavan Square Donggongon yesterday, he shared that he unveiled a special incentive programme for tourism cooperatives to prepare for Malaysia Visit Year in 2026.

“We have allocated an initial sum of RM2 million for this initiative, and although the amount is little, we recognise that it is just the beginning of our efforts. This programme is an integral part of the broader Penampang Development Plan. On June 1st, I will personally launch a special incentive for tourism cooperatives in Sabah.”

He said he will be engaging in discussions with the Chairman of Penampang Tourism Association and hopes that they can ensure that the tourism industry in Penampang reaps the benefits of this initiative, with the condition that it is facilitated through cooperatives.

He said in the coming years, he will be expanding and enhancing these incentives to foster the development of a wider range of tourism products and services in Penampang.

“By 2026, Penampang should be able to compete with Kota Kinabalu and other major districts in Sabah in terms of tourism offerings,” he said.

“To provide additional support, we offer management assistance to tourism cooperatives through the Cooperative Development Assistance programme, with a funding cap of RM300,000. Furthermore, we have established the Cooperative Capital Development, which allows each cooperative to access a revolving fund of up to RM30 million.

However, the success of this programme hinges on the active participation of tourism players, entrepreneurs, and tourism cooperatives in the Penampang area, he said adding that without their involvement and commitment, their efforts may fall short of their full potential.

He urged entrepreneurs to form cooperatives or join one to ensure that they can benefit the funds and incentives that are available to them.

The harvest festival celebration was attended by notables such as Jannie Lasimbang Kapayan State Assemblywoman, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Deputy President Datuk Donald Mojuntin, Tan Sri Bernard G Dompok SME chairman, Datuk Phillip Lasimbang Yayasan Bank Rakyat (YBR) Chairman and District Officer Francis Chong who is also the event Organising Chairman.