KOTA KINABALU: Kiulu has been identified as Malaysia’s first potential candidate for Cittaslow (Slow City) certification, an international recognition for communities that embrace sustainable and community-based growth.
The proposal was highlighted at the 6th Annual Meeting of the Cittaslow Taiwan General Assembly in Dongyin, Taiwan, and later presented to the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Product Rural Tourism Committee chaired by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Joniston, who is also the Kiulu assemblyman, said the recognition aligns with Sabah’s push for slow and meaningful tourism, where visitors stay longer, experience local life, and appreciate cultural authenticity.
The move follows collaborations between the Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association (M-Teia), STB, and the Kiulu Tourism Association, including training programmes for farmers and seminars with Taiwan’s Nanhua University.
Kiulu Tourism Association president Meijin Manginggow said travellers are increasingly drawn to experiencing village life and participating in farming activities, with even international content creators spending time in Kiulu to share stories of sustainable living.
