Tenom: The Sabah Murut Cultural Centre here is set for a major facelift after the Federal Government allocated RM4.2 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) to fund upgrading works at the facility, covering the period 2026 to 2030.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the allocation reflects the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the state’s ethnic communities.
The upgrade involves several key components, including roof repairs, renovation of the auditorium hall, fencing of the approximately 26.46-acre compound and structural reinforcement works to ensure the safety and durability of the buildings.
“These works are important to ensure the cultural centre remains in good condition and can fully serve the local community and visitors,” said Jafry during a visit to inspect new tourism product developments at the centre.
He added that the project is expected to add value to the local tourism sector while also serving as an important platform to introduce Murut customs, arts and traditions to younger generations and visitors from outside the region.
Sabah Murut Association President Datuk Rubin Balang welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step in elevating the cultural heritage of the Murut community.
“We hope the cultural centre can be restored promptly so that it can be used for various annual activities such as the Kalimaran Festival, while also attracting more tourists to the Tenom district and Sabah as a whole,” he said.
In a separate development, Jafry announced that another new tourism product showcasing the burial traditions of 10 Murut ethnic sub-groups is currently being developed at the centre at a cost of RM800,000 through state government funding, and is now 90 per cent complete.
He said the development is expected to become another tourism landmark in Tenom, while also serving an educational role in helping the public and visitors understand the unique customs and age-old traditions passed down through generations within the Murut community.
