The United States has lowered its travel advisory for all mainland areas of Sabah, including the east coast, to Level 1: exercise normal precautions. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the state government welcomed the advisory, noting that the classification affirms Sabah as a safe and stable destination for international visitors. “While…
Sabah has taken another step to strengthen its autonomy in environmental management. This follows discussions with Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup on the implementation of Article 95C of the Federal Constitution concerning the management of scheduled waste in the state. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Jafry Ariffin, who led the state…
One live pangolin (Manis javanica) was seized from a tourism resort in Semporna following an integrated operation carried out by enforcement agencies. The operation, codenamed Integrated Khazanah, was conducted on Feb 23, 2026 and involved the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and police from the Intelligence Branch / Task Force of the 22nd Battalion General Operations…
Sabah’s tourism industry recorded a strong performance in 2025, welcoming 3,793,709 visitors and generating RM8.74 billion in tourism receipts. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Jafry Ariffin said the state had surpassed its 3.5 million visitor target and was now aiming for four million arrivals in 2026. “Our primary focus remains on delivering excellent hospitality and…
The fourth Sabah International Food Expo (SIFEX 2026) will be held from April 24 to 26, 2026, at the Sabah International Convention Centre. SIFEX 2026, regarded as the largest food exhibition in East Malaysia, will feature 312 booths showcasing more than 400 food and beverage brands from Malaysia and across the region, said organising chairperson…
Visit Malaysia 2026 presents a significant opportunity for tourism players to enhance growth, visibility and innovation. Sabah Tourist Association (STA) president Melanie Chu encouraged industry players to align their products, services and marketing efforts to benefit from the momentum of the national campaign. “Let us support the campaign wholeheartedly and position Sabah strongly within it….
Samoa Tourism Authority chief executive officer Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia-Tevita (2022–2025) was in Kota Kinabalu to attend the 6th World Tourism Conference 2022 held from Nov 28 to 30 at the Sabah International Convention Centre. She also attended a dinner hosted by Funholiday Tours and Travel managing director Connie Chong at a seafood restaurant. “Kota Kinabalu…
Chinese New Year welcoming activities were held at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and Tawau Airport in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin, officiated the ceremony at KKIA where arriving visitors were presented with mandarin oranges and goodie bags. The programme featured a traditional yee sang…
Sir George Jessel, is in town to discuss plans to establish a heritage gallery highlighting the city’s history and the legacy of the North Borneo Chartered Company. George, a descendant of Sir Charles James Jessel, held a meeting with Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Kota Kinabalu City Hall Mayor Datuk Seri…
Former tourism, culture and environment minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew called for Chinese New Year 2026 to mark a new beginning in fostering a more peaceful and progressive environment for Sabah. She encouraged the embrace of new hopes, aspirations and opportunities, urging people to be anticipative, proactive and enterprising in living up to the expectations…