RANAU: The Federal Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), has approved 77 development projects in Sabah totalling more than RM72 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
Deputy Minister of Motac Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said one of the projects is the Tourism Facilities Improvement Project in Layang-Layang, Mount Kinabalu.
Four other major projects that are currently underway covering the areas in Kinabatangan, Lok Kawi, Sipadan and Manukan.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“All of this demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring Sabah is at the forefront of sustainable tourism, thus contributing to the economic and social progress of all the people,” he said.
Khairul, who is also the Member of Parliament for Batu Sapi, said this when officiating the Handover Ceremony of the Tourism Facilities Improvement Project in Layang-Layang Area, Mount Kinabalu at the Interpretation Centre, Kinabalu Park, on Friday.
He commended the State Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and Sabah Parks for successfully organising the programme.
He also congratulated Sabah Parks for the efforts and initiatives of being the Project Manager for this project which was approved under the Fourth Rolling Plan, Eleventh Malaysia Plan (RP4, RMKe-11) with a project cost of RM13.8 million.
“Motac also expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the contractors and consultants for their efforts and commitment in completing this project.
“Indeed, this project that has been implemented is proof of the Ministry’s commitment in its efforts to drive the tourism sector, especially ecotourism products, as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic growth.
“In addition, it is to make Sabah a sustainable area as a main destination for tourists, especially for the ecotourism segment,” he said.
Khairul believes that this project can have a significant impact not only on the people of Sabah, but also on the country itself, especially ahead of Visit Malaysia Year in 2026.
“Motac hopes that with the completion of this project, it will be able to further increase the number of domestic and foreign tourists coming to Sabah.
“Indirectly, it will not only boost tourism and climbing activities on Mount Kinabalu, but will also provide economic benefits to local residents such as restaurant owners and accommodation providers, as well as providing added value to various other industries,” he said.
Meanwhile, he urged Sabah Parks as the Owner Agency, to continue to work with local residents so that all parties can together make this latest tourism product a success.
“I hope Sabah Parks can ensure diligent maintenance and proactive management so that this facility will continue to be able to provide value not only for today, but for future generations, in line with the Government’s desire to manage resources prudently and with vision.
“I believe Sabah Parks cares about the importance of this periodic maintenance in ensuring that this project can operate optimally for the long term and can prevent any accidents,” he said.
During the ceremony, there was also a signing ceremony of the Project Handover Document between the Permanent Secretary of KePKAS Datuk Josie Lai and Motac Secretary-General Dato’ Shaharuddin Abd Sohot.
Meanwhile, Josie said, the Layang-Layang area is located at an altitude of 2,744 metres, at kilometre 4 (KM4) of Mount Kinabalu and climbers will usually reach this area between twelve (12.00) noon or one (1.00) pm.
“Before this project, the existing facilities were very limited, with only one open rest hut that could only accommodate around 10 people in unpredictable weather conditions.
“Meanwhile, other climbers had to take shelter in the open, facing rain and cold temperatures,” she said.
Looking at this need, she added, the Ministry through Sabah Parks took the initiative to plan to build restaurant and accommodation facilities in the Layang-Layang area.
Apart from being a place to rest and eat, she said, it is an alternative to extend the length of stay for climbers on the mountain.
“The implementation of the Layang-Layang Area Tourism Facilities Improvement Project, Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park, Ranau, Sabah began in December 2020 and was successfully completed in September 2024.
“The implementation of the project in the Mount Kinabalu area is different from other development projects because of its location at high altitude and in an environmentally sensitive area recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
“This challenging geographical position requires more careful logistical planning; for example, delivery of building materials must be done manually by porters, the use of low-impact construction methods, as well as strict adherence to existing biodiversity conservation guidelines and park regulations,” she said.
In addition, she said, the unpredictable weather factors; rain and fog affect the contractor’s working time as well as limited physical access, namely no regular road access to the project site.
According to Josie, these factors greatly influence and contribute to the implementation period, delays and completion date of this project.
“Now, this new facility can accommodate more than 50 people, complete with restaurant facilities, accommodation, and treatment rooms, control centre and checkpoint areas.
“I believe these facilities can not only improve the comfort of Mount Kinabalu climbers, but also support more systematic visitor management and further enrich the tourism experience on Mount Kinabalu,” she said.
Also present were the Director of Sabah Parks, Datuk Dr. Maklarin bin Lakim, heads of departments, Officers from Motac, Park managers and others.
