TAWAU: August 3, 2026 – The state government will intensify various initiatives to strengthen the tourism sector in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Visit Sabah Year 2027.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the efforts would include large-scale cultural and nature festivals, community-based tourism promotions, and digital marketing campaigns.
“The Tawau International Cultural Festival proves that Sabah has great potential as an international-standard cultural tourism destination,” he said when officiating the 11th edition of the festival at the Tawau Municipal Council grounds on Saturday.
According to Mr Hajiji, the festival’s consistent annual hosting not only promotes the state’s cultural diversity but also creates income opportunities for entrepreneurs, homestay operators, artists and small traders.
Also present were Minister of Youth, Sports and Creative Industry Development Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan; Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr. Mohd Arifin Mohd. Arif; and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Lo Su Fui.
Source: JAPEN
