Sabah, Royal Brunei Airlines Seal Strategic Tourism Pact to Boost Regional Connectivity

30 June 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's tourism sector is set to receive a major boost following the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) between the Sabah Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines, marking a significant step towards enhancing air connectivity and regional travel opportunities.

During the MoC, STB was represented by Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit while Royal Brunei Airline was represented by Chief Executive Officer Captain Sabirin Abdul Hamid.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew described the agreement as a "meaningful partnership" that aligns with Sabah’s broader strategy to revitalise international tourism ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 and Explore Sabah Year 2026/2027.

“Air accessibility is one of the most critical components in stimulating tourism growth,” she said during the signing ceremony, adding that Royal Brunei Airlines’ extensive flight network, covering ASEAN, North Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, the UK and beyond, offers Sabah a strong advantage in attracting new and returning travellers.

Briefly she added there are nine flights from Bandar Seri Begawan

to Kota Kinabalu weekly.

Liew emphasised the importance of the collaboration, noting that the MoC reflects a shared vision of mutual prosperity between Sabah and Brunei as neighbouring destinations.

“Together, we can create seamless travel experiences that benefit both our people and our economies,” she said.

She assured both parties of the Ministry’s full support, expressing confidence that the partnership would yield positive outcomes and long-term benefits for the state’s tourism industry.

The Minister also congratulated the Sabah Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines, expressing hope that the MoC would serve as a strong foundation for sustained collaboration and growth in the years to come.

Also present during the event was Assistant Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.