A cook pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to a charge of possessing a pangolin, a fully protected wildlife species, at a resort in Semporna. The accused, Mohammad Ali Iqram Thien Abdullah, 45, entered the plea after the charge was read before Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya. According to the charge, the man was found…
Due to the closure of designated airspace corridors in the Middle East, Batik Air has cancelled today’s (March 1) scheduled service between Kuala Lumpur and Dubai as a precautionary safety measure. The airline continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and assess its impact on regional airspace and flight operations. This decision is in line…
The Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) has collaborated with federal and state agencies to support Malaysia’s agriculture and fisheries ecosystem during ramadan. Strategic partners include the Department of Agriculture Malaysia (DoA), Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP), and Sabah…
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…