Sabah to bank on its rich history

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah may be known for its flora and fauna but the state also has a strong history that is equally impressive and worthy of being promoted as a tourism attraction, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

The state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister said efforts to promote history tourism should be intensified.

While Sabah is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, he added that its historical treasures deserved equal attention and aggressive promotion.

Historical milestones such as its liberation from Japanese occupation served as a testament to the resilience and bravery of Sabahans who endured hardships during those challenging times, he said.

“Countries like South Korea and Vietnam have effectively capitalised on their wartime histories to attract millions of tourists interested in understanding their past,” he told reporters at the launch of the History @ Sabah Museum programme at Heritage Museum in the interior Keningau district yesterday.

“I believe Sabah can similarly attract history enthusiasts, educators, and curious travellers interested in this unique chapter of its history,” said Bangkuai, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board.

The Sabah Museum Department organised the programme in conjunction with the 60th Malaysia Day celebration.

Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is Keningau MP, state Works Assistant Minister Datuk Robert Tawik, state Community Development and Well-Being Assistant Minister Datuk Flovia Ng, and Liawan assemblyman Datuk Annuar Ayub.

Bangkuai said Keningau’s Oath Stone was another example, noting it highlighted the historical importance of North Borneo’s journey to independence from British rule and Sabah’s agreement to form Malaysia.

The stone, also known as Batu Sumpah, was erected to commemorate the terms in which the former British Crown Colony of North Borneo joined the former colony of Sarawak, and the other states of the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia.

He said these involved key events leading up to the formation of Malaysia in 1963, including the work of the Cobbold Commission, and the pivotal referendum in which the people of Sabah chose to become part of Malaysia.

Promoting historical sites related to these events, he said, could provide valuable insight into the political and social factors that have shaped modern Sabah.

“These places could become important points of interest for tourists seeking a deeper understanding of the state’s evolution.

“Sabah’s rich and compelling history deserves celebration and global sharing, and through aggressive promotion of history tourism, the state can not only pay tribute to its past, but also enhance fresh prospects for economic growth and cultural exchange,” Bangkuai said.