KOTA KINABALU: The government looking to develop religious tourism in the tourism sector in Sabah, says Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister said his ministry along with the Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry could strategise ways to attract tourists for religious pilgrimages.
Benedick said that beyond Sabah’s natural beauty, the spirit of interfaith harmony could also be a unique tourism draw.
"This will help showcase Malaysia’s diversity and uniqueness, particularly in Sabah, which is known for its harmony, unity, and coexistence among different ethnic and religious communities.
“In Sabah, mosques, churches, Hindu temples, and Buddhist temples stand side by side in mutual respect, such as in Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu, and other districts," he said on Tuesday (Feb 11).
He added that the initiative was timely, especially with Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching.
“This is a value we can highlight through religious tourism, allowing visitors from within and outside Malaysia to better understand our nation’s unity, built on tolerance and respect,” he said.
Benedick, who visited the Sri Subramaniam Temple in Lok Kawi in conjunction with Thaipusam, said he would propose the idea to fellow leaders, particularly in the state tourism ministry.
“At my ministry, we have several support programmes, including the Cooperative Exploration Programme (Jejak Koperasi). If cooperatives manage tourism packages or resorts, we already have funds available to support these initiatives,” he said.
The Penampang MP also revealed that he had allocated RM30,000 last year to a temple in Lok Kawi as part of his constituency’s support for religious communities.
“This year, I will continue my contributions to ensure the needs of all religious communities in Penampang are met.
“I also helped this temple secure RM150,000 in funding from the Prime Minister’s Office last year. Moving forward, I have been informed of additional needs, and I will work to secure the necessary funds,” he said.
“I believe we need to highlight this more in Sabah. I deeply appreciate the Indian community and Hindu devotees celebrating Thaipusam today, as they play a significant role in our nation’s development, unity, harmony, and religious tolerance,” he said.
Some 800 devotees and visitors attended the annual Thaipusam celebration here, carrying pal kudam and kavadi covering a distance of 3km.
Thaipusam, celebrated during the Tamil month of “Thai”, is a day for fulfilling vows and seeking forgiveness for past wrongs.
