TAWAU: The State Government is determined to intensify high-impact cultural and nature-based programmes and events to draw more domestic and international tourists in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Visit Sabah Year 2027.
HajijiChief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the Festival Kebudayaan Antarabangsa Tawau (FKAT) is not only a platform to help achieve this goal but has also become one of the successful cultural festival models in Sabah.
“Among the initiatives planned include organising large-scale cultural and nature festivals, community-based tourism promotion and strengthening digital marketing campaigns to attract more domestic and international tourists,” he said.
Hajiji was speaking at the closing of the 11th FKAT 2026, themed “Warna Budaya” at the Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) Square on Saturday.
This year’s edition featured delegations from Indonesia, Cambodia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, along with 30 local ethnic representatives, with an estimated 80,000 visitors attending since the festival’s opening day.
Hajiji said the State Government will continue to support and assist the growth of ethnic communities in preserving customs, arts and culture, adding that culture is not merely a historical treasure but an asset that must be safeguarded for future generations.
He said the large turnout of visitors from various races has also given the State Government encouragement to elevate the standing of the people’s culture, including through festivals that inspire all parties to love and preserve cultural heritage.
He said the success of placing the FKAT on the tourism calendar is a proud achievement and proof that strong cooperation and consistency are important in translating a prestigious international cultural and arts festival.
“The success of the FKAT also strengthens the role of Tawau as one of the dynamic and prosperous cultural tourism destinations that continues to win the hearts of visitors from within and outside Sabah as well as international tourists.
“We are grateful that tonight we can gather in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere to witness a festival that unites people of various races and cultures through music, culture and storytelling that showcase the cultural diversity of Tawau.
“Sabah itself is rich with various ethnicities and tribes, each with their own culture. This cultural uniqueness is our strength, and this festival platform not only reflects the image of our society but also serves as a symbol of strong unity among the state’s multiracial population,” he said.
He said the presence of delegations from foreign countries participating in the festival helps strengthen Tawau’s role as a border town rich in cultural diplomacy networks and regional cooperation.
Also at the FKAT 2026, special awards were presented for the first time to three individuals who were not only instrumental in initiating the programme but have also been the backbone of the cultural festival since its inception.
The three recipients are former Apas Assemblyman the late Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, former MPT President Datuk Ismail Mayakob and former Sabah Cultural Board General Manager Datuk (Datu) Rosmadi Datu Sulai.
