STATE Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said Sabah’s first Cultural Complex about 20km from the State Capital will house all ethnic groups and sub groups in the State.
She said the project is under a private funding initiative whereby the State Government is not spending a cent but only providing land for proposed 123 acre project.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});KTI Landmark Berhad would bear the cost of constructing this important project that is over RM100 million.
“The plan was mooted by me in 2018 and took almost three years through the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac). We worked very hard on this project until Covid-19 pandemic when everything had to stop.
SPONSORED CONTENT How Spritzer’s silica rich natural mineral water makes your skin healthier When it comes to skincare, the first thought on our minds would be beauty products such as serums, creams, and masks. However, beauty experts and even researchers have stated that drinking more water can be just as crucial for your skin's health. Read more “When I came back as a Minister again in 2023, the project was still pending and effort was further refined and given greater focus to make sure it is carried out.
“The development of this complex is a strategic initiative aimed at promoting the uniqueness of Sabah’s cultural heritage while establishing it as a new icon for tourism,” she said.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The Sabah Cultural Complex which is adjacent to the Pan Borneo Highway along Jalan Papar-Kota Kinabalu and very near to the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN), would be developed as a double-storey building.
She said 58 acres have been designated for the Cultural Village and the Main Complex building, while the remaining 65 acres to cover preparation costs and further development,” she said.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Christina said the Complex can be likened to a big house that can have as a big roof over the many ethnic and sub ethnic groups.
“The architect consultant and the government also agreed on a concept of each ethnic group to have its own ethnic house in the Complex area.
“So, there will be about 35 half-acre lots and the developer will build according to the design of that particular ethnic group for the people, and they will take possession of it at time of completion.
“In addition, the Complex that will be built with a main hall can occupy up to 3,000 people, and will have about 1,000 car parks,” she said.
Christina said the Village in the complex is located on a valley area to be surrounded with an outdoor river with three acres where heritage houses from various ethnic groups would be built as well to exhibit diversity of culture and customs in Sabah.
There would be an amphitheatre in the middle to be used for cultural performances and public gatherings while the Main Cultural Centre would also be equipped with a theatre cinema complete with tiered seating, a performance stage and relevant support areas.
“The Main Cultural Centre will have a small auditorium with a capacity of 250 tiered seating for flexible and frequent use.
“The ground floor will house the Heritage Gallery which will showcase cultural information and artifacts from 35 ethnic groups, as well as a restaurant and a souvenir hall,” she said.
To a question, Christina said the project would be constructed in several phases and completed soon as possible.
It would provide jobs to the local communities as the Complex would require few hundred people to run it.
She said local businesses in Kinarut would benefit, particularly in supplying poultry, vegetable and meat as there would be restaurants inside the Complex.
“I am very proud that finally this project gets to kick off because we can showcase it not only to Sabahans, Malaysians and to international visitors who will get to know and appreciate Sabah’s diversity in culture and ethnic groups.
“With architecture that integrates both traditional and modern elements, the complex is set to become a source of pride for the people of Sabah and a platform to strengthen understanding and appreciation of the state’s rich cultural heritage,” she said.
