Head of State Tun Musa Aman and wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin looking at the handicrafts being sold at the Tamu Kota Belud. Accompanying them was Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor and wife Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Juliah Salag.

KOTA BELUD: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor wants everydistrict in Sabah to develop tourism products and experiences with their own distinctidentities in preparation for Visit Sabah Year 2027.He said every district has its own unique attractions and strengths that could bepromoted as tourism products, including Kota Belud, which is rich in cultural heritage, traditions and natural beauty.

“Kota Belud is among the destinations offering a wide range of tourism experiences,including adventure, recreation, culture and nature-based activities, with manyattractions to explore, including its islands and rivers.“In fact, Kota Belud has been recognised as part of the Kinabalu UNESCO GlobalGeopark since May 2023. This demonstrates the district’s tremendous potential and, byextension, Sabah’s strength as a tourism destination,” he said at the opening of theTamu Besar Kota Belud 2026 here.The event was also graced by Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh PuanFaridah Tussin.

Hajiji said the 148-year-old Tamu Besar Kota Belud was also one of the important annualevents in Sabah’s tourism calendar, attracting visitors with its unique culture, local food,handicrafts and traditional way of life.He said the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) alsorecognised Tamu Besar Kota Belud as an important heritage and cultural event in thestate's tourism landscape.

He wanted the district's rich heritage to be further developed into tourism products thatcould add value to the local economy.“Through this approach, the benefits of tourism will not be confined to major industryplayers and businesses but will also reach homestay operators, farmers, livestockbreeders, small traders, food operators, handicraft producers and local communities,”he said.Hajiji said Tamu Besar Kota Belud was more than a place to trade or barter goods, as ithas long served as a social gathering place for people of different races and religions,

Head of State Tun Musa Aman inspecting a parang, which is one of the products being sold at the Tamu Kota Belud. Accompanying him were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick

“We want these development projects to bring tangible benefits to the people, whether through better connectivity, digital facilities that support economic activities or new opportunities for local communities to increase their income,” he said.

He said Kota Belud had considerable strengths in agriculture, particularly padi cultivation, as well as small and medium enterprises, food production, handicrafts and tourism.

The Chief Minister said the State Government would also continue to focus on other sectors to strengthen Kota Belud’s traditional economic activities through new approaches, technology, value-added activities and wider market access.

He said that of the approximately 12,000 entrepreneurs across Sabah who had received various forms of assistance and small and medium enterprise (SME) grants, 1,800 were from Kota Belud.

“This reflects the tremendous potential and capabilities of entrepreneurs in the district, whom we must continue to support and empower,” he said.