KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's capital is being earmarked as a City of Literature, with the broader goal of establishing the state as a regional hub for the arts.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said the initiative is being pursued with the support of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and various stakeholders, aiming to make the state a regional reference point in literature and language.
“I am confident that through the various programmes implemented here in Sabah, the state will become a regional reference in literature and language.
“Many significant initiatives have been carried out in Sabah, including in my constituency of Membakut, involving secondary school students. This is a commendable effort to bring communities, especially students, closer to the values of language and literature,” said Arifin.
He added that with the support of DBP, language bodies, the Sabah Institute of Assessment, and literature- and language-focused non-governmental organisations, this dream can be realised.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Poetry Essay Discourse recently, he said such programmes can elevate Sabah’s profile as a literary and linguistic reference point in the region.
“I am confident we have a strong foundation, with DBP as the pillar, supported by other organisations and local poets with the potential to bring pride to Sabah on the literary stage,” he added.
Arifin also said the initiative aligns with efforts to position Sabah as a destination for educational, linguistic, and literary tourism.
“I believe with the presence of friends from Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, and various states in Malaysia, Sabah has the potential to become a focal point.
“I hope the same progress will be achieved in the field of literature and language through our continuous efforts,” he said.
During the ceremony, Arifin also presented prizes to the winners of the 2025 Poetry Essay Writing Competition and the 2025 Poetry Essay Humanitarian Award.
