News
PAUHS raises concern over RM250,000 bank guarantee requirement for umrah agencies
The Sabah Umrah and Hajj Agencies Association (PAUHS) views seriously the implementation of a RM250,000 bank guarantee as a requirement for the renewal of umrah agency licences. “We respect the government’s intention to strengthen industry governance, enhance integrity, and ensure comprehensive protection for pilgrims. “We fully support firm action against any agency involved in fraud,…
Satta: Electricity tariff increase burdens tourism, SME sectors
The Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) expresses serious concern over the State Government’s recent announcement of an electricity tariff increase of about 15 per cent, effective February 1, 2026. The decision will have a significant and far-reaching impact on the tourism industry and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Sabah. At a…
Borneo Nature Tours won two ASEANTA awards
Borneo Nature Tours won two top honours at the 35th ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) Tourism Awards of Excellence held in Cebu, the Philippines. The presentation ceremony on Jan 27 saw the Yayasan Sabah Group subsidiary secure the Best ASEAN Cultural Preservation Effort Award and the Best ASEAN Eco-Lodge Award. The eco-lodge in Danum Valley, Lahad…
Sabah meets 3.5 mil target in 2025
Former Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew is delighted that Sabah has achieved its target of 3.5 million tourist arrivals set for 2025. She attributed this accomplishment to the relentless efforts put in by the ministry (KePKAS) and its agencies, namely Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB), Sabah Parks Board…
STB, industry players to drive tourism activities
Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will be drawing up plans to support tourism initiatives led by the private sector. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said that while STB provides strategic guidance, resources and support, it is industry players who drive tourism activities and sales. “The focus is to create…
Sabah to reach millions in China via Jiangmen media
Efforts to promote Sabah under Visit Malaysia 2026 received a boost as the state is expected to reach millions of Chinese listeners and viewers through Jiangmen Radio and Television. Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin invited people from Jiangmen and across China to visit Malaysia. He made the call when officiating the…
Politeknik Tawau students experience CoBT in Kg Telisai, Pulau Buta
A total of 37 students from Politeknik Tawau have successfully completed the Kampung Ecoventure Programme Series II, held at Kampung Telisai and Pulau Buta Ecotourism in Tungku. The three-day programme was organised for the students to engage with the local community in various activities, creating a positive impact on community development, said its Deputy Director,…
Sabah aims to woo 4 million visitors as VM2026 kicks off
Sabah is gearing up to attract four million visitors to the state during the Visit Malaysia (VM) 2026 campaign, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin. “With Sabah’s strengths in its natural beauty, seas, rainforests, mountains and more, all of these serve as major assets in attracting tourists,” said Jafry. He…
Direct Sabah–Hainan flights expected to draw Chinese tourists
Many Chinese tourists can now fly directly to Kota Kinabalu following the successful launch of a direct flight between Sabah and China’s Hainan province. “We estimate around 500 to 600 Chinese tourists will travel to Sabah during the three-month period from December to March, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026,” said Hainan Nanyang International…
BNT, BRL expand sustainable tourism
The Borneo Nature Tours (BNT) and the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) are positioning themselves at the forefront of sustainable and experiential tourism in Sabah. They will launch the Blue Rings Tour and the Dusun Subpan Cultural Experience in 2026, expanding their product offerings beyond the rainforest, said BNT and BRL Chief Operating Officer Sail Jamaludin….