RM174.45 million allocated to boost Sabah tourism and culture

26 April 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has allocated RM174.45 million to strengthen the tourism industry and preserve Sabah’s cultural heritage.

These funds was accorded to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) and its departments and agencies for these purposes.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the initiative not only stimulates the state’s economy but also supports efforts to preserve cultural heritage and ensure environmental sustainability.

He added that the government has allocated RM38.70 million to upgrade existing facilities and infrastructure, including several key projects this year.

These include upgrading facilities at Petagas War Memorial Park, constructing the Ranau Ethnic Museum, enhancing the Penampang Cultural Centre, and improving tourism products at the Murut Cultural Centre in Tenom.

“The government will also continue initiatives to strengthen Sabah’s heritage and culture through the Ethnic Cultural Mapping 2026–2030, systematically documenting the state’s ethnic diversity for present and future generations,” he said.

He said this at the Sabah Ethnic Day celebration, held alongside the 75th Official Birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Saturday.

His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister I/State Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Musa Haji Aman officiated the Sabah Ethnic Day event.

Hajiji emphasised that these ongoing efforts are vital to keep local cultures relevant in a changing world and ensure younger generations preserve them.

He expressed hope that ethnic associations in the state will continue developing their cultures, customs and languages to prevent extinction, while strengthening cultural products as tourist attractions.

“These efforts are expected to boost tourist arrivals and meet the target of four million visitors to Sabah this year,” he said.

He added that the Sabah Ethnic Day celebration serves as a platform to honour the diversity of cultural and ethnic heritage, symbolising harmony and unity among the state’s people.

Now in its sixth year, the event features a new cultural parade bringing together various ethnic groups from across Sabah.

“In line with this year’s theme, ‘Our Culture, Our Responsibility,’ it calls for collective responsibility to preserve and conserve culture as the foundation of identity, social unity and pride,” he said.

He also thanked all parties, including ethnic-based cultural organisations and arts practitioners, for contributing to the celebration’s success.

“Ethnic Day is not only a platform to showcase ethnic heritage treasures but also proves that differences in religion, culture and background are not barriers, they are strengths that enrich Sabah’s identity and unite its people,” he stressed.