KOTA KINABALU: Sept 26, 2026 — Several locations in Kota Kinabalu are being considered for the construction of a new Sabah state museum, which has been approved by the state Cabinet.
Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal said the selection of the location must take into account the need to preserve artefacts.
“This matter has been discussed in the Cabinet and has been approved. We will now find the best place.
“To build a museum, it requires a good area, and we have to take into account the artefacts we have.
“These artefacts are very sensitive to air and humidity. We need to look at these items and we will work out the details,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after the launch ceremony of the Borneo Lab 2026 programme at the Sabah State Museum yesterday.
He said several locations had been proposed by the ministry, but further discussions were still needed before a decision is made.
On the existing museum, Dr Andi said improvements would be carried out while the ministry works out whether it needs to be restored or upgraded.
“These discussions are still at an early stage and we will discuss them in greater depth at the ministry,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a speech read by Dr Andi on behalf of Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Haji Ariffin, he said the new museum would be developed with a more modern, competitive and resilient concept.
Jafry said the new museum was important to maintain and preserve artefacts in Sabah as well as attract tourists.
He hoped the new museum could be used within a few years to ensure the state’s heritage continues to be preserved.
