SABAH will intensify its tourism growth strategies with a series of high-impact programmes and infrastructure upgrades next year as the State positions itself for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the proposed Visit Sabah Year 2027.
State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the international tourism industry is expected to maintain its positive momentum, driven by strong travel demand, improved flight connectivity and the revival of consumer confidence.
Advertisement"However, competition has intensified not only globally but also domestically, as other states continue to offer more creative and competitive tourism products and experiences," he said.
To support Sabah's tourism development, Masidi said the State Government has allocated RM174.45 million to the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) and its departments and agencies.
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In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Sabah will accelerate high-impact initiatives, programmes and events aimed at attracting more tourists.
AdvertisementAmong the efforts planned are organising a large-scale festival of culture and nature, promoting community-based tourism and strengthening digital marketing campaigns to draw more international visitors.
To sustain the positive momentum from Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Masidi said the Sabah Government is currently in the planning stage to organise 'Visit Sabah Year 2027'.
Advertisement He said the event is expected to be a major catalyst in enhancing Sabah's standing as a world-class tourism destination while ensuring the continuity of sustainable and inclusive growth within the industry.
Masidi emphasised that ecotourism, unique cultural identity, rich natural heritage and pristine natural beauty remain Sabah's strongest assets.
He said the ceiling approved for KePKAS under 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is RM493.02 million, covering 53 development projects comprising 19 continuation projects and 34 new ones.
Among the key projects are the study on the development of a new Sabah Museum, the establishment of the Kota Kinabalu Performing Arts Centre (KKPAC), construction of the Arte Museum (Digital Museum), development of the marine gallery at Taman Tun Mustapha Kudat and upgrading facilities on Bohey Dulang Island in Semporna.
In addition, Masidi said RM38.70 million has been allocated for improving existing facilities and infrastructure next year.
"Among the main projects are the upgrading of facilities at Petagas War Memorial Park, construction of the Ranau Ethnic Museum, upgrading of the Penampang Cultural Centre and enhancing tourism products at Murut Cultural Centre in Tenom," he said.
The Sabah Government will also allocate RM6.7 million to the Sabah Museum Department next year to preserve and restore existing museum facilities and improve exhibition spaces while awaiting the completion of the new museum building. Another RM18.97 million is set aside for operational expenditure.
Furthermore, Masidi said the State Government will continue efforts to empower Sabah's culture and heritage through the development of the Ethnic Cultural Mapping 2026-2030 initiative.
"This ensures that Sabah's diverse ethnic groups and cultures are systematically documented for the reference of current and future generations," he added.