Borneo leaders push for stronger cultural tourism collaboration

LocalTravel
22 Apr 2025 • 2:24 PM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

Daily Express Online (Malaysia) is Sabah's top-ranked & most viewed English news site. It is also Sabah's leading & most circulated daily English newspaper.

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By: Sabah Publishing House Sdn Bhd

PENAMPANG: Sabah and Sarawak should strengthen ties in cultural tourism to showcase Borneo’s shared heritage, said Sabah Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

He emphasized promoting Borneo as a seamless travel experience through cultural trails and community-based attractions.

Joniston suggested both states collaborate on cultural preservation, community development, and cross-border initiatives, turning heritage into economic opportunity, especially in rural areas.

Sarawak’s Deputy Minister Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu echoed the sentiment, advocating for more frequent exchanges and joint cultural events, including a proposed Cultural Festival in June.

KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the shared aspirations of both states.

They met during a visit to the Koisaan Cultural Village at the Hongkod Koisaan here on Tuesday. The visit included community leaders from Betong and was part of efforts to strengthen cultural ties between Sabah and Sarawak.