Sabah leads the way with community-based tourism expo, says state minister
KOTA KINABALU: Community-based tourism (CBT) is more than just a travel model, it is a dynamic movement that preserves culture, protects nature, and creates economic opportunities for local communities.
"In a world searching for sustainable and inclusive solutions, Sabah is ready to lead by example," said Datuk Seri Christina Liew when launching the Community-Based Tourism Conference and Expo 2025 here on Saturday (June 28).
The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister said the event marks the state's first full-scale Community-Based Tourism Conference and Expo, signalling a shift towards quality-driven, sustainable tourism that uplifts rural livelihoods.
The expo featured 40 booths and 87 exhibitors, showcasing community-based tourism from across Sabah, along with participation from Penang, Thailand, Taiwan, and Indonesia.
"Tourism should focus on value rather than volume. We do not want over-tourism," she said, adding that overpromising tourism packages could damage local culture and the environment.
Liew highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to improve tourism infrastructure across Sabah.
Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit outlined the developmental goals of CBT.
"In 2023, our 18 active districts generated about RM6mil. We estimate around RM7mil in 2024. Our goal is to raise community incomes above the poverty line," he said.
Jimit noted that CBT is aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 4 (quality education), and SDG 11 (sustainable communities).
He stressed that CBT cannot succeed without a shared vision and cooperation from all stakeholders.
Liew encouraged delegates to participate actively during the two-day event and apply what they learn in their own communities.
"Engage deeply, network widely, and return home inspired," she said, emphasising that this movement preserves culture, protects nature, and empowers communities.
The conference is part of Sabah's lead-up to the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the Explore Sabah 2026/27 campaigns, underscoring CBT's role in shaping the future of the state's tourism industry.
Also present was Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister and STB chairman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
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The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
Sabah leads the way with community-based tourism expo, says state minister
KOTA KINABALU: Community-based tourism (CBT) is more than just a travel model, it is a dynamic movement that preserves culture, protects nature, and creates economic opportunities for local communities. "In a world searching for sustainable and inclusive solutions, Sabah is ready to lead by example," said Datuk Seri Christina Liew when launching the Community-Based Tourism Conference and Expo 2025 here on Saturday (June 28). The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister said the event marks the state's first full-scale Community-Based Tourism Conference and Expo, signalling a shift towards quality-driven, sustainable tourism that uplifts rural livelihoods. The expo featured 40 booths and 87 exhibitors, showcasing community-based tourism from across Sabah, along with participation from Penang, Thailand, Taiwan, and Indonesia. "Tourism should focus on value rather than volume. We do not want over-tourism," she said, adding that overpromising tourism packages could damage local culture and the environment. Liew highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to improve tourism infrastructure across Sabah. Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit outlined the developmental goals of CBT. "In 2023, our 18 active districts generated about RM6mil. We estimate around RM7mil in 2024. Our goal is to raise community incomes above the poverty line," he said. Jimit noted that CBT is aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 4 (quality education), and SDG 11 (sustainable communities). He stressed that CBT cannot succeed without a shared vision and cooperation from all stakeholders. Liew encouraged delegates to participate actively during the two-day event and apply what they learn in their own communities. "Engage deeply, network widely, and return home inspired," she said, emphasising that this movement preserves culture, protects nature, and empowers communities. The conference is part of Sabah's lead-up to the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the Explore Sabah 2026/27 campaigns, underscoring CBT's role in shaping the future of the state's tourism industry. Also present was Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister and STB chairman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Liew: Avoid over-commercialisation in Sabah's tourism development
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's approach to tourism development must avoid the pitfalls of over-commercialisation, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew. Liew also cautioned against uncontrolled visitor numbers that could harm the environment or cultural assets over time. "As one of the speakers mentioned, we should focus on value rather than volume when it comes to tourism. "We do not want to experience over-tourism or over-marketing. I read a book that warns tourism players and countries not to oversell their tourism packages, as it may not yield the kind of positive effect they are hoping for," she said after launching the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Expo at a shopping mall here. As such, the ministry is collecting visitor data and ensuring that the community is involved to avoid the negative impacts of mass tourism. To mitigate the adverse effects of mass tourism, Liew said the state would focus on sustainable tourism growth that benefits rural communities economically, including helping them rise out of poverty. She said that CBT is gaining traction in several districts beyond Kota Kinabalu. "Some very popular districts, when international tourists visit, they return home and talk about it. That attracts more visitors. We are now seeing growth in places like Tuaran, Tenom, and Kota Belud as well," she said. She attributed the success to strong collaboration with local communities, particularly in converting homes or products into tourist-friendly offerings. "When we cooperate with local people, assisting them in converting their houses or products into tourism attractions, it also brings in elements such as cleanliness, safety, and food hygiene. "They understand that to participate in CBT, they must meet these expectations, and I find them responding positively." In 2023, the 18 active CBT districts in Sabah generated RM6 million. This figure rose to an estimated RM7 million in 2024. "Our goal moving forward is to increase income through tourism to levels above the poverty line index. "We are also working closely with the Department of Statistics to assess how CBT contributes to gross domestic product and whether it effectively lifts communities out of poverty." Also present were the state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, and Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer, Julinus Jeffrey Jimit.
Daily Express
18 hours ago
- Daily Express
Sun bear centre draws 79,362 visitors
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 Text Size: Liew, accompanied by Dr Wong, viewing the sun bears from an observation platform. SANDAKAN: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment has nurtured the growth and development of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) since its inception in 2008. Its Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said BSBCC, the only one of its kind in the world for protection of this endangered species, is a partnership project with the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL), an agency under the Ministry, and Sabah Forestry Department. Sun bears are a Class 1 Protected Species under the state's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. 'Last year, we allocated RM228,420 for the construction of Phase 1 of the Entrance Foyer, which has since been completed. This year saw an additional allocation of RM250,000 for construction of Phase 2 of the Entrance Foyer. Work is expected to start this year,' Liew told reporters after a recent visit to the centre here. The Minister noted that this 17-year-old tourist attraction, which is home to 42 rescued sun bears, draws local and international visitors like a magnet. 'I was informed by its Founder and CEO Dr (Hon) Wong Siew Te that the Centre received 79,362 visitors in 2024, with an average of 6613 visitors per month. That year, there were international visitors from 115 countries with the United Kingdom, Australia and Italy being the top three international nationalities that visited the Centre. 'The peak season is from July to October generating the most number of visitors. In fact, we have more Malaysian visitors during the school holidays,' she said. Educationists, researchers, school children and teachers, wildlife conservationists, animal lovers, and the like make up the composition of visitors and tourists, the majority being nature lovers and nature-based tourists. Many may not be aware that the BSBCC is also the main implementing agency for the 10-Year State Sun Bear Action Plan, Liew said. The main attraction to visitors at BSBCC is watching the sun bears' natural behaviour in their natural habitat, the rainforest. 'Sometimes visitors can see the bears climbing and sleeping high on the trees. Random feedings enable the visitors to see them eating as well,' said Dr Wong. According to him, all the sun bears at the BSBCC have been rescued from illegal pet keeping after their mothers were brutally killed by poachers. Over the past 17 years, the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL) has rescued 70 sun bear orphans and sent them to the conservation centre, he disclosed. Liew commended Dr Wong for his unwavering commitment, patience and perseverance in keeping the BSBCC afloat, despite the multiple challenges that came his way. In a guided tour, he drew the Minister's attention to sun bears kept in Pen B, C, and D, where visitors can view and learn about them. 'We regard them as ambassadors for their species to raise awareness among the general public, apart from being subjects of our research projects,' said the wildlife conservationist. Sharing his multitasking role as the founder and owner of BSBCC, Dr Wong said: 'Since founding the Centre 17 years ago, I have been running the place at all levels, from designing the facility, taking care of the bears, and conducting education and research programs to development of the Centre and fund-raising efforts. Everything that you can think of, even gardening and cleaning the toilets. 'We try our best to take good care of the bears and rehabilitate them. Thirteen rescued sun bears were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. In addition, the latest two rescued sun bear cubs have been sent to Tabin Wildlife Reserve to undergo the 'soft-release' program.' Acknowledging the Ministry's contribution, Dr Wong said KePKAS has helped BSBCC a lot for the past 17 years. 'The Ministry even helped us to raise funds for the Centre to get off the ground in 2008, and gave us a grant for our operational cost in 2013. I hope the Ministry will continue to support our work in the future.' He said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), an agency under KePKAS, has assisted him in many ways to promote the Centre to the local tourism market and internationally, too. 'On our part, our promotional efforts are through social media platforms (FB, Tiktok, X, YouTube) and websites.' In retrospect, Dr Wong said in the infant years (from 2008 to 2013), BSBCC survived on public donations and grants from various funders across the world, adding 'Since opening to the public on January 16, 2014, we have been depending heavily on ticketing fees and souvenir purchase revenue to run the centre. ' Admittedly, his greatest challenge in operating the Centre is the need to seek sufficient funds, not only to maintain the facility but also to expand it wherever necessary. 'Yes, finding competent staff to help me manage the Centre is also a big challenge.' On his future plans, the farsighted Founder and CEO envisions a third observation platform, an interpretation centre and new office building, and a captive breeding enclosure. 'For BSBCC, these construction plans need financing. I have an undying passion and boundless energy to work for another 30 years. By that time, I am sure I have a lot of successors who can take over my life mission,' Dr Wong quipped. He added that he still needs to raise RM1,000,000 to build the Field Office and staff house for the Tabin Sun Bear Project. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
