PAPAR: The soon-to-be built Sabah Cultural Complex costing over RM100 million in Kinarut, here, will become a new tourism attraction offering a unique, innovative and distinct experience.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the complex consists of two main components — a Cultural Village and a Cultural Centre — and complement existing ones, including the Hongkod Koisaan Cultural Centre of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association, the Bajau Sama Sabah Cultural Centre and the Murut Cultural Centre in Tenom.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});The complex would play a crucial role as a key catalyst in efforts to preserve the State’s diverse cultural heritage, he said, at the ground-breaking ceremony for the project, Saturday.
It also has the potential to become a cultural tourism attraction, drawing both local and international tourists to witness and appreciate the unique heritage found in Sabah.
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“This marks the beginning of another significant landmark for Sabah, reflecting our aspiration to preserve, appreciate and elevate the State’s rich ethnic and traditional heritage.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The State Government will ensure that this project is developed carefully, following established guidelines and regulations. The benefits of this successful project will not only be enjoyed by the current but future generations,” he said.
Hajiji noted that RM102.87 million has been allocated to the State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment for 2025.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});He said the State’s tourism industry requires more new products to attract both domestic and international tourists, given Sabah’s diverse tourism resources, which can be expanded to include flora and fauna-based tourism as well as cultural and ethnic heritage tourism.
He urged players to explore new ideas to create attractive tourism products, ensuring Sabah remains a top choice for both domestic and international travellers.
“Our efforts to attract tourists to Sabah by enhancing tourism products align with the Malaysian Government’s commitment to the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026 campaign, which aims to attract over 35 million tourists.
“Although Sabah targets 3.7 million tourists, in preparation for VMY 2026, we must be ready to welcome even more visitors,” he said.
Present were Federal Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew, her assistant Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, Kawang Assemblyman cum Yayasan Sabah Director Datuk Seri Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar, Limbahau Assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim, Papar District Officer Muhammad bin Mohd Ali and senior officials.
Hajiji also highlighted the importance of tourism industry players, including young entrepreneurs, using new technologies to promote cultural-based tourism products.
This approach would showcase Malaysia’s unique cultural heritage and attract more tourists.
Hajiji called on community leaders, department heads, federal and state government agencies, relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and all levels of society to continue strengthening and preserving the nation’s arts, culture and heritage so that they are not lost to time.
“Let us all support this initiative together to realise the dream of making Sabah a state rich in heritage and culture,” he said.
