By WU VUIDE
SANDAKAN: A total of RM1,250,000 million has been allocated to upgrade four tourist facilities in Sabah ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“In 2025, a total of four upgrading projects have been approved, comprising two projects funded by the Federal Government amounting to RM750,000.
“And another two funded by the Sabah State Government amounting to RM500,000,” said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She added that these projects are part of the State Government’s initiative to ensure Sabah is fully prepared for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
She said this during an official visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok, to inspect the tourism facilities that are set to be upgraded this year.
She also emphasized that the State Government is committed to ensuring that facilities provided to tourists whether local or international are of the highest quality, safe, eco-friendly, and meet high standards.
At the same time, she said these upgrades will enhance visitor experience in the area while preserving the ecosystem’s integrity in the long term.
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is one of the oldest centres in the world and has attracted visitors from across the globe since its opening in 1964.
It plays an important role in wildlife conservation efforts and also serves as an educational centre for younger generations and international tourists.
Meanwhile, the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre is the only centre in the world, providing shelter for this endangered species and serving as a hub for environmental research and education.
With infrastructure upgrades, the centre is expected to draw more visitors and raise greater awareness about Borneo’s biodiversity conservation.
These upgrading efforts are also aligned with Sabah’s commitment to advancing sustainable ecotourism, where environmental conservation and economic development go hand in hand.
