06-05-2025
Community-based tourism boosts Sabah's economy
Published on: Tuesday, May 06, 2025
Published on: Tue, May 06, 2025
By: R Gonzales Text Size: KIULU: Community-Based Tourism (CoBT) is playing a key role in Sabah's economic growth, especially in rural areas like Kiulu, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He noted that CoBT contributed RM7 million to state revenue in 2024, up from RM6.7 million in 2023, with 18 active districts involved. "I want to see CoBT expanded further for its potential in boosting rural economies," he said at the Tuaran District-level Kaamatan Festival launch. Sabah recorded 923,709 tourist arrivals early this year — 26 percent of the 3.5 million target — with Hajiji confident the goal will be surpassed, mirroring last year's performance. He stressed the need for improved rural infrastructure to support tourism and agriculture, saying well-developed facilities attract both locals and tourists. Hajiji congratulated four CoBT associations that signed MoUs with four universities and a tourism group from Taiwan, highlighting future collaboration in knowledge transfer and community empowerment. He also announced the first-ever Community-Based Tourism Conference this June, co-organised by UNDP and Sabah Tourism Board. Separately, RM1.1 million was allocated for local development in Kiulu, including a new car park, road to Kampung Kitapol, and a gravity water supply project in Kampung Lopot. The Kiulu Community Hall was also renamed Dewan Masyarakat OKK Rampas. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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