Sabah and Sarawak are looking to deepen cooperation in cultural tourism in a bid to promote Borneo’s shared heritage and offer visitors a more unified travel experience.

Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said both states have the potential to jointly position themselves as complementary destinations through cross-border cultural trails, exchange visits, and community-driven tourism.

“Sarawak brands itself as the ‘Gateway to Borneo’, but ideally, we want visitors to enter there and end their journey in Sabah.

“This isn’t about competition. It’s about creating a connected experience that celebrates what unites us,” he said in Penampang on Tuesday. 

Joniston made the remarks during a visit by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, who brought a delegation of community leaders from Betong to the Koisaan Cultural Village here. 

Also present was Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, president of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA).

Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, said the two state governments should move towards structured collaboration in cultural preservation, community development, and rural tourism.

“There’s a growing need to empower our communities through heritage—not just to safeguard culture, but to create economic opportunities,” he said, adding that youth innovation rooted in indigenous knowledge should also be supported through policy.

Jabu, who is also the Layar assemblyman, welcomed the idea and said Sarawak was open to reciprocal initiatives, particularly involving youth and cultural exchanges.

“As neighbouring states, it makes sense for us to work more closely. Our cultures are similar, and our people already share so much. 

“In fact, I would like to invite KDCA to join us for a cultural festival in my constituency this June,” he said. 

Jabu also noted his ongoing engagement with Sabahan students studying in Sarawak, especially at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), where he regularly encourages them to stay involved in cultural events.

Pairin, in welcoming the Sarawak delegation, said both states shared similar aspirations and that more efforts were needed to build bridges across the island.

“We must continue finding ways to bring Sabah and Sarawak closer—not just administratively, but culturally and socially,” he said. – April 22, 2025 

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