KOTA BELUD: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor wants every district in Sabah to develop tourism products and experiences with their own distinct identities in preparation for Visit Sabah Year 2027.
He said every district has its own unique attractions and strengths that could be promoted as tourism products, including Kota Belud, which is rich in cultural heritage, traditions and natural beauty.
“Kota Belud is among the destinations offering a wide range of tourism experiences, including adventure, recreation, culture and nature-based activities, with many attractions to explore, including its islands and rivers.
“In fact, Kota Belud has been recognised as part of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark since May 2023.
“This demonstrates the district’s tremendous potential and, by extension, Sabah’s strength as a tourism destination,” he said at the opening of the Tamu Besar Kota Belud 2026 here.
The event was also graced by Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.
Hajiji said the 148-year-old Tamu Besar Kota Belud was also one of the important annual events in Sabah’s tourism calendar, attracting visitors with its unique culture, local food, handicrafts and traditional way of life.
He said the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) also recognised Tamu Besar Kota Belud as an important heritage and cultural event in the state’s tourism landscape.
He wanted the district’s rich heritage to be further developed into tourism products that could add value to the local economy.
“Through this approach, the benefits of tourism will not be confined to major industry players and businesses but will also reach homestay operators, farmers, livestock breeders, small traders, food operators, handicraft producers and local communities,” he said.
Hajiji said Tamu Besar Kota Belud was more than a place to trade or barter goods, as it has long served as a social gathering place for people of different races and religions,
including the Bajau-Samah, Kadazandusun, Murut, Iranun, and Chinese communities, a tradition that continues to this day.
“This tradition must be preserved while adapting to changing times to ensure it remains relevant to future generations.
“Through the strong spirit of unity at this tamu, we demonstrate that Sabah’s racial and religious diversity is our greatest strength as we move forward together in realising the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the State Government would continue to prioritise the development of basic infrastructure and facilities to support Kota Belud’s economic growth, in line with the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the SMJ 2.0 Development Plan.
These include the nearly completed Kota Belud-Wariu section of the Pan Borneo Highway and the establishment of a Digital Economy Centre at the District Council building, he said.
“We want these development projects to bring tangible benefits to the people, whether through better connectivity, digital facilities that support economic activities or new opportunities for local communities to increase their income,” he said.
He said Kota Belud had considerable strengths in agriculture, particularly padi cultivation, as well as small and medium enterprises, food production, handicrafts and tourism.
The Chief Minister said the State Government would also continue to focus on other sectors to strengthen Kota Belud’s traditional economic activities through new approaches, technology, value-added activities and wider market access.
He said that of the approximately 12,000 entrepreneurs across Sabah who had received various forms of assistance and small and medium enterprise (SME) grants, 1,800 were from Kota Belud.
“This reflects the tremendous potential and capabilities of entrepreneurs in the district, whom we must continue to support and empower,” he said.
