By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s tourism accommodation operators have been urged to maintain high standards of service, facilities and safety to strengthen the state’s position as a major tourism destination ahead of Visit Sabah 2027.
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Sabah assistant director Mohd Noh Hafifie Mapatoba said natural attractions alone were not enough to attract tourists without quality services, reliable facilities and internationally recognised safety standards.
He said Sabah continued to play an important role in Malaysia’s tourism industry, with attractions ranging from Mount Kinabalu and Semporna’s underwater attractions to the Danum Valley rainforest and its diverse local cultures.
Malaysia recorded 42 million visitors last year, contributing 15.9 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
As of September this year, the country had received about 32 million visitors through the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which would be extended into 2027.
He was speaking at the presentation ceremony for Tourist Accommodation Premises Grading Certificates, MOTAC Spa Grading Certificates, ASEAN Tourism Standards and Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance (MyTQA) certificates in Sabah at the State National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN).
He said the state had 10 five-star hotels and resorts, 17 four-star hotels and resorts, 13 three-star hotels and one two-star hotel.
There were also 14 premises with a three-Orchid rating and nine with a two-Orchid rating, based on MOTAC records as of Nov 2.
Eight accommodation premises were recognised at the ceremony, comprising two five-star hotels or resorts, one four-star city hotel and five three-star city hotels.
A five-star Green Hotel was also recognised for its environmental sustainability and green practices.
Mohd Noh said MOTAC grading and certification offered industry players benefits beyond formal recognition.
Graded premises could explore investment incentives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), including Pioneer Status and Investment Tax Allowance, to support reinvestment and facility upgrades.
Certification also helped operators meet requirements for workforce recruitment and expatriate employment, supporting smooth operations and service standards.
Premises recognised under MyTQA and the ASEAN Tourism Standard were also given priority in Tourism Malaysia’s international promotional calendar, providing greater global exposure and marketing opportunities.
Ten tourism premises received recognition.
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, received the Green Hotel certificate, while The Magellan Sutera Resort and The Pacific Sutera Hotel were awarded five-star hotel resort ratings.
The Majulan Hotel received a four-star city hotel rating.
Five hotels received three-star city hotel ratings: Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu, Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu, Lintas Platinum Hotel, Monocolo Boutique Hotel and The Aru Hotel.
Attiya Spa Kota Kinabalu received a five-star spa grading certificate.
Meanwhile, two tourism products received recognition under MyTQA.
Balai Seni Lukis Sabah received a new certification under the Man-Made Tourism category, while Koisaan Cultural Village in Penampang renewed its certification under the Culture and Heritage Tourism category.
Homestay Id Kalangadan in Kota Kinabalu also received recognition under the ASEAN Homestay Standard.
Pic for illustration purpose only.
