By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Enhanced Travel Innovation Association (Setia) is striving to stimulate the community economy in and around Kota Marudu.
In line with that, Setia Chairman Christina Wahida Kong and Kota Marudu Development Association (Komtda) President Janes Kansirong have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support and elevate community-based tourism.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Kota Marudu Assistant District Officer (Administration) Suffian Majid and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Assistant Product Manager Jason Paujik.
The MoU signifies the formal adoption by Setia and Komtda of entities identified under the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark, namely Marudubay Ecotourism, Togudon Geo Tourism, and Walai Tobilung Cultural Centre.
“Setia has adopted the approach of ‘adoption through association’, which we believe offers a more effective framework for monitoring and supporting tourism initiatives compared to individual adoption methods,” said Christina.
The initiative will be implemented through support in the form of shared expertise and knowledge, along with marketing and promotional assistance.
“This is also an effort to boost visitor engagement and support the implementation of tourism activities, including capacity building to strengthen sustainability and ensure long-term impact,” she said.
She added that the programme aligns with the goals of Visit Malaysia 2026, led by STB as part of its initiative to support and develop community-based tourism in the state.
