KOTA KINABALU: 12 November 2026
Sabah must keep documenting and publishing fresh accounts of its wildlife, culture and natural attractions, Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said.
New books and updated editions offer fresh perspectives, reflect current knowledge, and give visitors more reasons to discover Sabah, he said.
“Sabah has a wealth of stories worth sharing, from its cultural traditions and wildlife to its landscapes and lesser-known destinations. We should continue to document these stories and make them accessible to wider audiences,” he said at the launch of The Elephants of Borneo at the Sabah Library.
Co-authored by 1StopBorneo Wildlife senior conservation officer Yulinda Wahyuni and other contributors, the book examines the Borneo elephant, its habitat and its conservation in Sabah.
Joniston, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, said future publications could cover Sabah’s diverse cultures, endemic birds and lesser-known attractions.
He cited Kiulu: its network of rivers, tributaries and streams, and its many suspension bridges, show both the landscape and community-based tourism at work.
Such stories, he said, can draw attention to places visitors seldom hear about and broaden their understanding of Sabah.
STB will continue to support agencies, organisations and industry players promoting Sabah’s wildlife, culture and natural attractions, particularly ahead of Visit Malaysia 2027, he added.
Also present were 1StopBorneo Wildlife founder Shavez Cheema, Bringing Back Our Rare Animals (BORA) chief executive officer Datuk Dr John Payne, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) chairman Alex Chong Vui Loong, and Sabah Wildlife Department head of conservation and corporate education Nur’Ain Ampuan Acheh.
