Kota Kinabalu: Warisan Kota Kinabalu Division Information Chief Samuel Wong questioned the Federal Government’s exclusion of Sabah from its new Special Tourism Investment Zones (STIZ), despite the State’s strong reputation in the sector.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that STIZs would be developed in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Sarawak in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026. The initiative aims to boost new tourism products and contribute up to 16 per cent of the nation’s GDP.
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Wong said it was a glaring omission that Sabah, home to world-renowned tourism assets and three Unesco-recognised sites, was not included.
“How many more times must Sabah be sidelined? Are we not part of Malaysia’s tourism engine?
“This is not the first time Sabah has been left out of critical federal initiatives,” he said in a statement, Monday.
He pointed out that Sabah has three Unesco designations, such as Kinabalu Park, Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve and Kinabalu Global Geopark.
“If Kedah’s Sungai Batu and Sarawak’s Niah Caves qualify, why not Sabah’s Mount Kinabalu, Danum Valley, Sipadan and the Crocker Range? These are equally, if not more, world class,” he said.
Wong said although Sabah receives millions of tourists annually, what is needed now is quality tourism development.
He said this includes upgrading old sites, creating new attractions, improving infrastructure and providing meaningful support for local tourism players.
“Many popular tourism spots in Sabah have seen little improvement over the years. The same places are promoted repeatedly without new ideas,” he said.
Wong urged the Federal Government to review its plan and include Sabah in the STIZ initiative.
He said Sabah contributes significantly to the country’s tourism sector, particularly in eco-tourism, adventure and cultural heritage.
“We have done our part. Sabah deserves to be included. We must not be treated as an afterthought.”
He also called on the State Government to act quickly to safeguard Sabah’s interests.
“This is the time for the GRS and PH governments in Sabah to engage Putrajaya and secure a fair deal. Sabah should have its own tourism investment zone not just for Visit Malaysia 2026 but for long-term benefit,” he said.
He emphaised that including Sabah in the programme could also help tackle issues such as unlicensed operators, foreign control in local tourism services and the need to protect Sabahan-owned agencies, guides, homestays and Food & Beverage outlets.
“Tourism development is not just about infrastructure. It is also about regulation, sustainability and protecting local players,” he said.
Wong said Sabah should be treated as a key pillar in Malaysia’s tourism agenda.
“If the Federal government is serious about inclusive growth, then Sabah must be part of the plan.
“Otherwise, talk of Madani inclusivity and shared prosperity means very little if Sabah keeps getting left behind,” Wong said.
