Sabah Strengthens Heritage Tourism Through Murut Cultural Project

KOTA KINABALU, April 12 (Bernama) -- The Sabah government is committed to strengthening heritage-based tourism through the implementation of the Tourism Product Enhancement Project at the Sabah Murut Cultural Centre in Tenom (PKMST), says State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.

He said the project was a strategic initiative that emphasised the preservation of the Murut community's cultural identity while enhancing the state’s tourism appeal in a sustainable manner.

“The development approach of this project is based on principles of authenticity, historical storytelling and immersive spatial experience to ensure visitors not only observe but truly appreciate the cultural heritage of the Murut community,” he said in a statement after visiting the project site today.

The project, which began on May 6, 2025, is expected to be fully completed by May 6, 2026, with a contract cost of RM825,559.60.

According to Jafry, one of the main components is the construction of the Rumah Tengkorak, which would serve as an iconic building and a key attraction in the area.

“This building will function as a cultural interpretation centre housing historical exhibitions, traditional artefacts and screening spaces to introduce the origins of the Murut community to visitors.

“The design of the Rumah Tengkorak is symbolically translated as a representation of history and heritage, with a spatial layout that takes visitors through a structured and meaningful cultural storytelling journey,” he said.

Jafry said the development would not only serve as a tourism product but also as an educational platform and a means of historical understanding, strengthening local cultural identity while directly benefiting the community through tourism activities and cultural interpretation programmes.

“I am confident this project will become another significant cultural tourism icon in Sabah, particularly in Tenom, further strengthening the state’s position as a world-class destination for culture and heritage-based tourism,” he added.

-- BERNAMA