KOTA KINABALU: Sabah and Sarawak should prioritise collaboration over competition by crafting a unified Borneo experience, showcasing both states' rich cultural heritage to create a seamless travel journey.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, in saying this, stressed the importance of linking the attractions across both states, offering visitors an immersive and cohesive cultural journey that spans the whole of Borneo.
By pooling their resources and efforts, he believes Sabah and Sarawak can highlight their shared heritage and increase the appeal of the region as a prime cultural destination.
"While Sarawak's tagline is ‘Gateway to Borneo,’ we envision a journey where visitors start in Sarawak and conclude in Sabah. This is not about competition, it is about connection.
“When we promote both states together, we create a holistic Bornean experience that will be far more attractive to travellers,” he said.
The Sabah Tourism Board chairman made the comments during a visit by Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, who led a group of community leaders from Betong to the Koisaan Cultural Village at Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on Tuesday (April 22).
Also in attendance was Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) president, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Bangkuai called for more structured collaboration between both states to preserve and promote cultural heritage through joint programmes and cross-border initiatives.
He noted that leveraging culture could provide economic opportunities, especially in rural areas, where tourism can bring growth and development.
"By working together, we preserve our heritage and turn it into an opportunity for progress, particularly in our rural communities. Empowering communities through their culture can boost local economies and ensure that future generations can benefit from this legacy,” Bangkuai said.
Echoing this sentiment, Jabu expressed Sarawak’s eagerness for deeper cooperation, particularly through reciprocal cultural visits and joint youth-focused initiatives.
"Our cultures are intrinsically linked, and as neighbouring states, it makes sense to enhance our relationship through frequent exchanges," Jabu said.
He also invited the KDCA to participate in a Cultural Festival in his constituency of Layar this June, underscoring his commitment to furthering ties between the two states.
Jabu highlighted his ongoing engagement with Sabahan students at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), encouraging them to stay connected to their heritage by participating in cultural activities.
"It is vital that we keep the spirit of our culture alive for the next generation," he added.
Pairin welcomed the visit, reinforcing the importance of deepening the relationship between Sabah and Sarawak.
"We share similar goals and aspirations. It is essential that we intensify our initiatives to bring our states closer together,” he said.
