KOTA KINABALU: June 20, 2026 — A coalition of Sabah’s creative associations has urged the state government to channel a portion of its 40 per cent revenue entitlement towards the development of the local arts, culture and creative industries.
The chairman of the Coalition of Sabah Creative Associations (KREATIF SABAH), Chester Pang, said the proposal would enable relevant ministries to plan and implement more structured creative industry development programmes tailored to Sabah’s specific needs and identity.
He was referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement last month of an interim RM1.5 billion payment to Sabah, made during an event at the KadazanDusun Cultural Association (KDCA) hall.
“In the long term, the best solution to comprehensively develop Sabah’s creative industry is through the return of 40 per cent of revenue to the state. This mechanism is believed to be able to support the planning and execution of various creative industry development initiatives without adding to the federal government’s financial burden,” he said.
According to Mr Pang, based on a statement by Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, the total combined collection of direct taxes by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and indirect taxes by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) in Sabah for 2025 is estimated at RM7.547 billion, with 40 per cent of that amounting to approximately RM3.019 billion.
He noted that this estimate does not yet include revenue from the petroleum sector, collections by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), or revenue collected by other federal government agencies in Sabah.
He argued that if just five per cent of that RM3 billion figure—roughly RM150 million—were specifically allocated to the development of Sabah’s creative industries through the relevant ministries, the sum would be sufficiently significant to strengthen the state’s creative ecosystem.
“Such an allocation has the potential to open up more opportunities for local artists, enhance the industry’s competitiveness, attract creative investment and stimulate the growth of the creative economy—or orange economy—in Sabah in a more sustainable and inclusive manner,” he said.
Mr Pang stressed that the claim is part of Sabah’s rightful revenue as provided for under the Federal Constitution, adding that KREATIF SABAH will continue to support the state government’s efforts in fighting for Sabah’s financial rights.
Earlier, he attended a final preparatory meeting for the Sabah Film Appreciation Programme (AFiS) 2026 with TV Sabah, the official media partner, led by Kinabalu Media Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Bingkasan.
The three-day programme, running from 26 to 28 June 2026, will be held at Suria Sabah and features a variety of activities, including five knowledge-sharing sessions with prominent and experienced film industry professionals.
In addition, five Sabah-made films will be screened at GSC Suria Sabah, while the highlight of the event will be the 4th Golden Wind Award (GoWA) night, which is scheduled to be officiated by Sabah’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, as guest of honour.
