RM174.45 Millions allocated to Boost Tourism Development and Cultural Heritage Preservation in 2026

12 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government has announced a substantial allocation of RM174.45 million to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) and its associated departments and agencies for 2026, as part of its comprehensive plan to advance the state’s tourism industry. The initiative aims not only to stimulate economic growth but also to safeguard Sabah’s rich cultural heritage and promote environmental sustainability.

During the tabling of Sabah’s Budget 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly today, Datuk Masidi Manjun Finance Minister who is also Deputy Chief Minister II shared that in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the Sabah Government is set to ramp up several high-impact programmes, events, and initiatives designed to attract more international visitors.

These include organising large-scale Cultural and Nature Festivals, promoting Community-Based Tourism, and intensifying digital marketing efforts to enhance Sabah’s global profile.

Looking ahead, the Government is already in the planning stages for “Visit Sabah Year 2027,” which is expected to serve as a significant catalyst for further strengthening Sabah’s reputation as a premier global tourism destination.

The initiative aims to ensure the sustainable and inclusive growth of the tourism sector, building on the momentum generated by the current year’s campaigns.

Masidi highlighted Sabah’s unique strengths, emphasising ecotourism, cultural identity, heritage, and natural beauty as key assets. The approved budget ceiling for the Ministry under RMKe-13 totals RM493.02 million, encompassing 53 development projects, 19 ongoing and 34 new initiatives.

Among these are the Sabah New Museum Construction Study, the establishment of the Kota Kinabalu Performing Arts Centre (KKPAC), the building of the Arte Museum (Digital Museum), the Marine Gallery at Tun Mustapha Park in Kudat, and upgrades to tourism facilities on Bohey Dulang Island in Semporna.

Furthermore, the Government will invest RM38.70 million to enhance existing facilities and infrastructure across the state. Major projects planned for next year include upgrading facilities at Petagas War Memorial Park, constructing the Ranau Ethnic Museum, improving the Penampang Cultural Centre, and developing new tourism products at the Murut Cultural Centre in Tenom.

RM6.7 million has been allocated to the Sabah Museum Department for the preservation and restoration of existing museum buildings, as well as improvements to exhibition spaces, ensuring Sabah’s cultural heritage remains accessible and well-presented while awaiting the completion of a new museum. Operating expenditure for the department has been set at RM18.97 million.

“The Sabah Government is also committed to safeguarding its cultural diversity through the development of the Ethnic Cultural Mapping 2026-2030, a systematic effort to document the state’s myriad ethnic groups and cultural practices for current and future generations,” he stated.

This comprehensive budget reflects Sabah’s commitment to leveraging its natural and cultural assets to foster sustainable tourism growth, ensuring the state remains a vibrant and attractive destination on the global stage.