Latest news with #Sabahan
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Bella Astillah: It's an honour to meet Lee Min-ho
KUALA LUMPUR: Singer and actress Bella Astillah, 31, is delighted to finally meet one of her idols, South Korean actor Lee Min-ho. The 31-year-old Sabahan artiste spent RM500 to join a recent contest to meet and greet the South Korean star. In an interview with Harian Metro yesterday, Bella said that the contest was organised as part of a campaign by a product for which he was a brand ambassador. "I've been a long-time fan of Min-ho, so when the opportunity to meet and greet him came, I quickly bought products worth RM500," said Bella. Bella's good friend, Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, however, felt that her move was a "waste of money" at a time when the cost of living was on the rise. "I told him it could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it was worth it," said Bella, who shed tears of joy when she finally won her ticket to meet Min-ho.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah tourism industry in created over 380,000 jobs
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism industry in Sabah has created more than 380,000 jobs said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said the industry accounted for about 15 per cent of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contributing RM13.1 billion to the state's economy. "We have witnessed firsthand how tourism uplifts communities and we take pride in our progress in community-based tourism here in Sabah," he said at the launching of the Asean Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) at a hotel here. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew delivered his speech. He said Sabah is home to many community-based tourism operators, and these initiatives were spearheaded by individuals and families from local villages, particularly rural communities, who create experiences that were distinctly Sabahan. "As we speak, community-based tourism continues to expand in Sabah due to its immense potential to grow the economy, especially in the rural areas of Sabah. "In 2024, the total state revenue contribution from this sector amounted to RM7 million from 18 active districts. "More community-based initiatives in the rural districts are being introduced to benefit the rural communities," he said. Hajiji added that the state government is investing in infrastructure with ongoing upgrades to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, improved road conditions giving access to rural tourism areas and enhanced digital platforms designed to promote and manage visitor experiences effectively. "We are laying the foundation for a resilient and future-ready tourism economy. "Sabah's strategy includes embracing green economy principles, advocating for digital transformation, and enhancing our profile as a premier venue and host for international tourism events," he said. Meanwhile, he said that ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder of just how powerful the combination of tourism, travel, hospitality, and aviation can be. Nation Mar 17, 2025 @ 5:51am Sabah Tourism Ministry to meet AirAsia over flight terminations Nation Dec 31, 2024 @ 10:20pm Innovate, capitalise on travel trends, Sabah tourism players told Economy May 26, 2025 @ 3:19am Sabah's tourism sector surges ahead Nation May 10, 2025 @ 11:20pm Sabah sees tourism surge, earns RM2.13 billion from Jan to March this year
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tourism remains Sabah's economic driving force
Christina beats the gong to mark the launch of the event. KOTA KINABALU (June 19): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said tourism remains the driving force of Sabah's economy, creating more than 380,000 jobs across various sectors. He said that Sabah's tourism industry contributed approximately 15 per cent of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year and recorded a significant achievement in 2023, contributing RM13.1 billion to the state's economy. 'Yet, statistics alone do not tell the whole story. Behind each number lies a livelihood, a family and individuals who have contributed to the tourism economy. 'We have witnessed firsthand how tourism uplifts communities, and we take pride in our progress in community-based tourism here in Sabah,' he said at the launching of the ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) at Magellan Sutera Resort here on Thursday. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew delivered his speech. He said Sabah is home to many community-based tourism operators, and these initiatives were spearheaded by individuals and families from local villages, particularly rural communities, who create experiences that are distinctly Sabahan. 'As we speak, community-based tourism continues to expand in Sabah due to its immense potential to grow the economy, especially in the rural areas of Sabah. 'In 2024, the total state revenue contribution from this sector amounted to RM7 million from 18 active districts. More community-based initiatives in the rural districts are being introduced to benefit the rural communities,' he said. Hajiji said the State Government is committed to the tourism industry's development. 'We are investing in infrastructure with ongoing upgrades to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, improved road conditions giving access to rural tourism areas and enhanced digital platforms designed to promote and manage visitor experiences effectively. 'We are laying the foundation for a resilient and future-ready tourism economy. Sabah's strategy includes embracing green economy principles, advocating for digital transformation, and enhancing our profile as a premier venue and host for international tourism events,' he said. The Chief Minister said Sabah envisioned itself as a peace hub – a state where businesses thrive, culture, history, and nature exist harmoniously, and development is always balanced with responsibility and sustainability. 'We aspire to be a model demonstrating how tourism can succeed while preserving the very elements that make it unique – our environment, cultures and communities,' he said. Hajiji said ATEX 2025 marked a significant milestone for Sabah as it presents an opportunity to position the state not only as a destination but also as a strategic partner in shaping ASEAN's tourism future. 'We warmly welcome industry leaders from across the region to our shores, inviting all of them to deepen friendships to spark new business ventures and share in the journey ahead,' he said. At the same time, he noted that ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder of just how powerful the combination of tourism, travel, hospitality and aviation can be. 'It creates a robust engine of growth and movement that generates vast opportunities for shared experiences. 'Hosting ATEX 2025 in Kota Kinabalu is not just an honour for us in Sabah, but it is also a platform brimming with potential. It offers us the chance to learn from one another, forge new connections, and collectively shape the future of tourism in this region,' he said.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Tourism sector still big earner for Sabah, says Hajiji
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism continues to be a pillar of Sabah's economy, contributing significantly to both state revenue and rural community development, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The sector, the Chief Minister added, generated RM13.1bil for Sabah in 2023, accounting for 15% of the state's gross domestic product (GDP). 'Yet, statistics alone do not tell the whole story. Behind each number lies a livelihood, a family and individuals who have contributed to the tourism economy,' he said in his speech at the launching of the Asean Travel Exchange (Atex 2025) here on Thursday (June 19). His speech was delivered by state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew. Hajiji highlighted that the real strength of Sabah's tourism lay in its expanding community-based tourism sector, which had seen impressive growth, particularly in rural districts. 'In 2024, revenue from this sector reached RM7mil, spanning 18 districts. These initiatives are led by local individuals and families, crafting experiences that are authentically Sabahan,' he said, saying that the state government views tourism not just as an economic engine but as a tool for uplifting communities. To support the sector's growth, he said Sabah was investing in infrastructure improvements, including ongoing upgrades at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, better road access to rural areas and improved digital platforms to promote visitor experiences. 'We are laying the groundwork for a resilient, future-ready tourism economy. Our strategy includes embracing green principles, pushing digital transformation, and strengthening Sabah's role as a premier host of international tourism events,' he said. He also envisioned Sabah as a 'peace hub', a harmonious space where business, nature, culture and heritage thrive side-by-side through sustainable development. 'We aspire to be a model showing how tourism can flourish while preserving the very things that make us unique … our environment, our cultures, and our communities,' he said. Hajiji also described Atex 2025 as a significant milestone that allowed Sabah to position itself not only as a top destination but also as a strategic partner in shaping Asean's tourism future. 'Hosting Atex 2025 is an honour, but more importantly, it is an opportunity. A chance to spark connections, explore business ventures, and collectively shape a more inclusive and sustainable tourism future for the region,' he said. Meanwhile, Liew described Atex 2025 as a golden opportunity for Sabah. 'This is a wonderful programme. Just imagine, top tourism leaders from all 10 Asean countries gathered here in Sabah, with over 500 delegates. I truly thank the organisers for making this possible,' she told the media after the launch ceremony. She added that this was likely the first time all 10 Asean nations had convened for a tourism-focused event in Kota Kinabalu. 'This is our moment to showcase Sabah as a strategic and unique tourist destination. I believe it will open new doors for collaboration and regional promotion,' she said. Liew also shared encouraging tourism statistics for 2025, where so far, Sabah has welcomed over one million tourists between January and April, an 18% increase from the same period last year, generating more than RM2bil in revenue. She expressed optimism that Sabah would meet its target of 3.5mil visitors by year-end. When asked if Sabah would consider hosting Atex again, she responded positively: 'If there is a request, we are more than willing. Let's make it a signature event for Sabah, and maybe our guests can stay an extra week or two to explore our beautiful destinations.'
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Keniogan folks hopeful of 24-hour power supply
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Sabah Electricity personnel inspecting the upgraded generator facility at the Pulau Keniogan power station, which now supplies electricity to the island for up to 18 hours daily as part of efforts to achieve 24-hour coverage. BELURAN: Villagers on Pulau Keniogan are one step closer to enjoying 24-hour electricity, as Sabah Electricity ramps up efforts to improve power supply on the remote island. The community, made up of some 200 households, currently receives electricity for 18 hours a day — an upgrade from the previous 12-hour schedule — following the installation of a new, more efficient diesel generator. Advertisement Sabah Electricity Chief Operating Officer Ir. Ts. Mohd Yusmanizam Mohd Yusof said the move was part of the utility's commitment to ensure equitable access to electricity for all, including rural and island communities. 'We've sent a new, more efficient generator to Pulau Keniogan to ensure a more dependable power supply,' he said. 'We are working towards 24-hour electricity. Our goal is to make sure that every Sabahan gets the best service and electricity supply possible.' Pulau Keniogan, located off the coast of Sandakan and accessible only by boat, is home to a Bajau-majority fishing community that has long depended on candlelight, kerosene lamps and small private generators to get through the night. Local development officer (UPPM) Lokman Madlis said the longer electricity hours had already improved daily life for many residents. 'Alhamdulillah, it now feels like we're not so isolated anymore,' he said. 'People here have freezers, some even have air-conditioning and Astro. With longer electricity hours, we can store our catch properly and send it to the mainland for sale the next day. This really helps our income, especially for those who depend entirely on fishing.' Community representative Kamarzaman Marof echoed similar sentiments, saying full-day electricity is not just a convenience but a necessity. 'We really need 24-hour supply because ice is crucial for the fishermen,' he said. 'Without it, it's hard to keep our catch fresh. Some of us go out to sea in the morning and only return late in the day. If the ice melts or there's not enough, the fish will spoil and we lose money.' He pointed out that many elderly villagers rely on fans or cooling appliances due to the heat, adding that 24-hour power would improve their comfort and health. Sabah Electricity is currently working with the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) to complete a solar hybrid project on the island. Once completed, it is expected to provide long-term, clean and reliable energy to the village. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
