Latest news with #Bangkuai
The Star
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
MOU with Boseong county marks new chapter in cultural ties, says Bangkuai
KOTA KINABALU: The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sabah's Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and Boseong County, South Korea, marks a meaningful step towards building deeper cultural ties and fostering mutual understanding, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. The state Assistant Tourism Minister further described the collaboration as a people-focused partnership, adding the timing of the agreement made it especially significant. The MOU was inked during a welcoming dinner held in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival in Kota Kinabalu on Friday (May 31). It was signed by the ministry's deputy permanent secretary I Mary Malangking and Boseong County deputy governor Seo Hyung Bin, and witnessed by Bangkuai, who is also the Sabah Tourism Board chairman, alongside the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Boseong County director-general, Rho Joung Yi. 'This partnership is about people. It is about building connections and sharing stories. Signing this MOU during the Kaamatan Festival makes it all the more special. 'With this year's theme, Kaamatan for All, we are eager to share our celebration with the world, and it is an honour to welcome our friends from Boseong to be part of it,' he said. Bangkuai highlighted Sabah's recent participation in the Green Tea Festival in Boseong as a valuable cultural exchange, adding that the warm welcome and chance to learn about Korean tea culture were deeply appreciated and reflective of the spirit of mutual respect. With direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and South Korea, he believes the collaboration could lead to more exchanges in the form of cultural performances, reciprocal visits and tourism promotions. As part of this cultural exchange, a Boseong cultural troupe is scheduled to perform during the Kaamatan Festival grand finale at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association's Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang. 'This will allow Sabahans to experience the vibrancy of Boseong's cultural heritage, just as we hope to one day bring the Kaamatan Festival to Boseong,' Bangkuai added.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah needs steady hands at the helm, not those that grab for power, says GRS leader
GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (sixth right) officiating the newly-upgraded Poturidong - Tibabar road. KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is not anti-federal, but the coalition believes that the state must be led by its own leaders and free from outside influence, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. The GRS information chief said disagreements over seat allocations among parties seeking to form alliances are likely to result in a free-for-all in the upcoming state election. He urged voters to choose stability over political gamesmanship. 'We have seen the damage caused by reckless power plays," he said on Wednesday (May 21), referring to the failed January 2023 attempt to topple the GRS government. "Sabah needs steady hands and sincere leadership. This election is our opportunity to move forward, not backwards,' he added. ALSO READ: All election decisions must go through GRS Supreme Council, says Hajiji Bangkuai, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief and Kiulu assemblyman, said GRS must be ready for any eventuality, including contesting solo as indicated by Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Hajiji had previously said the coalition was prepared to go it alone after Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan signed a declaration agreeing to cooperate in the Sabah election, a move some described as a deliberate snub to GRS. Bangkuai noted that a free-for-all could be a blessing in disguise, as it would allow Sabahans to choose between local parties and those led from Peninsular Malaysia. ALSO READ: Warisan confirms solo contest in Sabah state election 'Sabahans could well treat the upcoming state election as a referendum to choose from GRS, Umno-led Barisan, Pakatan, and Parti Warisan. 'This will be a clear test of whether we want to be led by leaders from local parties or by those who answer to parties headquartered in Kuala Lumpur,' he said at a meet-the-people session in Kg Tibabar after officiating the upgraded Poturidong-Tibabar road. Bangkuai said GRS has proven that Sabah-based coalitions can deliver meaningful development while maintaining a strong working relationship with the Federal Government. He said the increase in the annual federal special grant from RM53mil during Warisan's tenure to RM600mil under GRS was an example. ALSO READ: 'Don't be close-minded', Zahid tells local leaders over Sabah for Sabahans sentiment Another example he cited was the signing of the commercial collaboration agreement between the GRS-led state government and PETRONAS, which brought tangible benefits and increased state revenue. He said good governance, a focused development strategy under the Sabah Maju Jaya initiative, and close ties with Putrajaya had contributed to the state's annual revenue increasing to RM6.9bil, with reserves nearing RM8bil. 'We are not anti-federal, but we believe Sabah must lead itself, with leaders not bound by outside instructions. ALSO READ: 'Sabah for Sabahans' not divisive but a stand for dignity, says Kitingan ( 'GRS is proof that Sabah can work maturely with Putrajaya, and still prioritise the people of Sabah above all,' he said. Bangkuai also addressed past political manoeuvres involving Barisan, Warisan and Parti KDM, describing their joint attempt to topple the Chief Minister in January 2023 as politically ill-intentioned and damaging. 'It was never about leadership, it was about control and self-interest,' he said.
The Star
20-05-2025
- The Star
Kota Belud makes debut as stopover on Sail Malaysia's Passage to the East this year
KOTA KINABALU: Kota Belud, Sabah's Land of the Cowboys of the East, is making its debut as a stopover in this year's Sail Malaysia Passage to the East, offering a fresh perspective for sailors exploring rural charm and cultural depth. State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman, said Kota Belud's inclusion is a fitting addition to the rally as the district is known for its horse-riding tradition. It is also known for its strong Bajau heritage and growing reputation in community-based tourism, he said. The annual sailing rally, which began in April, will arrive in Sabah this July with over 31 yachts and 70 participants from 15 countries scheduled to explore coastal and inland attractions from July 18 to Sept 1. New participating countries include Lebanon, Turkey, Kuwait, Tunisia, and India, reflecting the growing global interest in Malaysia's sailing route and Sabah's diverse tourism offerings. Bangkuai, who serves as patron of Sail Malaysia Borneo, said the rally helps promote Sabah to international travellers and strengthens its position as a culture, adventure and nature destination. 'The inclusion of new countries and destinations like Kota Belud is a promising sign as Sabah builds momentum toward Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said. Sabah's growing popularity as a yachting destination is also supported by ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, with several new berthing areas, including in Tuaran, being identified to cater to increasing interest from international sailors, he added. Bangkuai encouraged organisers to enhance collaboration with the STB to further promote the Sabah leg as a key highlight of the entire rally. He recently chaired a Sail Malaysia coordination meeting attended by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) and key tourism stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and safety throughout the Sabah segment. Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha said the rally follows the familiar eastern route starting in Langkawi, with Sabah stops including Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kudat, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna. 'Participants will have the rare opportunity to sail inland along the Kinabatangan River, one of Sabah's most iconic wildlife corridors, known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty,' he said. He said many sailors are drawn to Sabah for its natural beauty, safe harbours and the warm welcome offered by local communities.
The Star
14-05-2025
- The Star
Hope blooms for villagers with Rafflesia trail
KOTA KINABALU: Apart from attracting nature lovers, Sabah's spectacular Rafflesia flower is set to become a symbol of empowerment for rural communities through an initiative that could turn conservation into a sustainable economic opportunity. Conservationist and Borneo Eco Tours managing director Albert Teo has proposed that villagers living near natural Rafflesia sites take the lead in managing and guiding visitors, making the flower a community-led eco-tourism product. He made the proposal during a recent meeting with Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, adding that the Rafflesia's rarity and brief blooming period make it an exclusive draw for eco-conscious travellers. 'There are already Rafflesia species growing near villages. With basic infrastructure and training, locals could host guided treks and educate visitors while protecting a fragile part of their natural heritage.' Teo also proposed the creation of a Rafflesia Community Alliance, a network of villages with access to known Rafflesia sites, to encourage collaboration and strengthen local ownership. Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, welcomed the proposal and said the state government supports tourism models that engage local communities, particularly when they involve Sabah's natural and cultural heritage. 'Rafflesia has long been a symbol of Sabah's biodiversity. It is time to identify villages that can benefit from this venture while ensuring responsible and sustainable tourism practices.' He added that the state tourism board would explore mapping Rafflesia sites near villages, particularly in Tambunan, Ranau and along the Crocker Range, which are areas already popular for nature-based tourism. 'Empowering locals fosters long-term conservation. When people see value in protecting something, they take ownership. That's how we build sustainability and pride,' Bangkuai said, aligning the idea with Sabah's Culture, Adventure and Nature tourism approach. Sabah is home to three of the world's 15 known Rafflesia species, namely Rafflesia keithii, Rafflesia pricei and Rafflesia tengku-adlinii. The third, the rarest of the trio, is named after Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mahamood, a key figure in Sabah's tourism and conservation movement.
The Star
10-05-2025
- The Star
Kaamatan spirit thrives in Melaka
KOTA KINABALU: Although miles from its birthplace, the spirit of Kaamatan came alive in Melaka as the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) brought Sabah's iconic harvest festival to the peninsula, celebrating unity, culture, and pride. Officiating at Dewan Boon Leong, SMJK Tinggi Cina Melaka, Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai urged Sabahans living outside the state to become cultural ambassadors for their homeland. 'Every Sabahan can help promote the state as a preferred destination simply by sharing our stories, traditional food, dances, or attire. Each time we share something about Sabah, that's a form of valuable promotion,' he said. He called on the community to embrace the spirit of 'My Sabah, My Responsibility, My Pride,' welcoming the growing celebration of Kaamatan outside Sabah as a powerful expression of cultural continuity and connection. This year's theme, 'Kaamatan for All,' highlights how the festival can serve as a bridge of unity and cultural exchange. 'Kaamatan is more than just a harvest celebration, it is a platform to share our rich traditions and support domestic tourism. Events like these contribute to national unity and deepen understanding among Malaysians,' said Bangkuai. Sabah's tourism sector continues to show strong momentum; with 3.14mil tourist arrivals recorded last year and over 923,000 visitors in the first quarter of 2025. As the state prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, efforts are underway to promote community-based tourism and family-friendly rural destinations. 'Our focus remains on Culture, Adventure, and Nature, the true pillars of Sabah's tourism,' Bangkuai added. KDCA Melaka chairman Scholistika Chin echoed Bangkuai's call, stating that hosting the Kaamatan celebration was part of their ongoing effort to promote Sabah's cultural identity in the peninsula. 'There is a sizable Sabahan community here in Melaka, with over 300 registered KDCA members. This festival is a way for us to stay connected to our roots and share our heritage,' she said. The celebration featured highlights such as the Unduk Ngadau pageant, cultural performances, and showcases of Sabahan food, drinks, and traditional attire, all underscoring the vibrant spirit of Sabah far from home. Also present was Sabah Cultural Board member and KDCA Youth Council chairman Steve Johnny Mositun.
