KOTA KINABALU: In an effort to empower youths and drive sustainable development in the Kiulu sub-district, its assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has set up a fund to meet this initiative.
Dubbed the Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership Fund, the initiative with an initial allocation of RM50,000, aims to support young people-led programmes and activities that benefit the local community while contributing to the economic and social development of the sub-district.
The fund was unveiled during the Youth and Tourism Programme and the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at Kampung Malangang Lama on Sunday (Nov 24), which attracted over 100 young men and women from across Kiulu.
“Youths are the cornerstone of sustainable development. With their energy and creativity, they can lead various community initiatives, including innovations in tourism, economic growth, and environmental conservation,” Bangkuai said.
He explained that the fund would be managed by professionals to ensure efficient, transparent, and accountable administration.
Bangkuai, who is also the state Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, said that the initiative aligned with efforts to advance youth development while supporting the SDGs.
As a community-based tourism destination, Kiulu serves as a model for sustainable rural development in Sabah.
“Community tourism supports the SDGs by creating job opportunities, improving socio-economic conditions through income generation, raising awareness about environmental conservation, and fostering collaboration and community tolerance,” he said.
Bangkuai stressed the importance of balancing economic growth in Kiulu with environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.
He expressed confidence that the fund would act as a catalyst for youth transformation and positively impact the local community.
The Sabah tourism Board chairman also stressed the role of the Sabah government, through the STB, in supporting rural community empowerment.
“With everyone’s involvement, Kiulu has the potential to become a prime example of sustainable development, integrating community, economy, and the environment,” he added.
Bangkuai’s strategic plans align with the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda, which focuses on enhancing the industrial, agricultural, and tourism sectors.
“Kiulu has already made strides in advancing tourism. Our next focus is to establish this sub-district as an agricultural hub.
“We aim to set up a processing plant for agricultural produce soon, empowering the local economy.
“I will allocate a portion of my annual ADUN (State Assemblyman) funding to build and improve agricultural roads in the Kiulu area,” he said.
The Kiulu Tourism Association president Meijin Maggingo noted that the sub-district now boasts over 80 tourism operators, creating 400 job opportunities.
Also present at the event was Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer, Julinus Jeffrey Jimit.
