Joniston (second left) with BOHEX organising team.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) welcomes the upcoming Borneo International Halal Exhibition (BOHEX) as a meaningful initiative to strengthen Sabah’s reputation as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and Muslim-friendly destination.
During a courtesy call by the BOHEX organiser yesterday, STB Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Sabah needs more events like this to boost its portfolio, especially among international participants.
The BOHEX organising team included Business Development and Government Relations Director Maiyizat-ul-Najwa Ab Mutalib, Corporate Communications Director Nurul Hidayah Umol and Project Manager Safia Amira Mohd Jamil.
“International events like BOHEX are meaningful, especially for the Sabah Tourism Board, as they allow us to showcase our beautiful destination to foreign participants, whether they are first-time or returning visitors.
“It complements Malaysia’s efforts to welcome more visitors under Visit Malaysia 2026 while positioning Sabah as an increasingly attractive destination for Muslim tourists,” said Joniston.
Joniston, who is also the Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, suggested that the organiser engage with the Sabah Convention Bureau to further strengthen the event’s impact.
BOHEX, scheduled for February 5-9 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here, is organised by Eminent Source Sdn Bhd – a company specialising in training and coaching industries related to Halal and Food Safety and Quality certification since 2022.
Themed “Embracing Halal World”, the event is supported by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM).
It aims to raise awareness of halal products that extend beyond food, showcasing sectors such as fashion, medical products, and tourism.
The organising team briefed Joniston that BOHEX aims to attract 10,000 visitors throughout the five-day exhibition and
and brings exhibitors from Brunei, South Korea, Indonesia, Pakistan and India, among others.
