Liew (left), together with Hajiji and State Secretary Sr Datuk Safar Untong, planting a fruit seedling to mark the launch of the Sabah Cultural Complex project.
KINARUT: The Sabah Cultural Complex project is a smart partnership between the State Government and the private sector, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
According to her, under a private funding initiative, the State Government is not spending a single cent on the project. The cost of construction is over RM100 million borne by KTI Landmark Berhad.
“Government land is available. The development proposal is based on the 123 acres of government land in Kinarut. We have an investor who is keen to build the cultural complex, so we struck a bargain.
“When completed, it will not only be a symbol of the State’s cultural heritage but will also serve as a tourism icon and put Sabah on the world map as a cultural tourism destination,” Liew told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor here, yesterday.
The plan to develop the complex to house 35 ethnic groups and over 200 sub-ethnic groups was inspired by the Minister who mooted the idea in 2018. It has two main components covering an area of 58 acres – Cultural Village and Cultural Centre. The balance of land (65 acres) is given in exchange for the construction and completion of the two-storey complex where the main hall can accommodate up to 3,000 people.
Earlier, in her address, Liew said the Chief Minister has laid a solid foundation for the establishment of the State Cultural Complex.
“This initiative not only reflects his concern for the cultural diversity and heritage of the state, but also proves his commitment to ensuring that Sabah’s culture and identity continue to grow and be empowered for future generations,” she said.
On Hajiji’s aspirations, Liew said the Chief Minister always strives to elevate culture as one of the main aspects in the development of the state.
“With the construction of the Sabah Cultural Complex, I believe it will make a significant contribution to the state’s cultural tourism sector, opening up economic opportunities and creating more job opportunities for the local population,” she added.
