Plans are underway to restore the old British North Borneo Chartered Company office building in Kota Kinabalu, which was destroyed in a fire years ago. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced that this project is part of the Sabah integrated cultural mapping system development initiative. Additionally, the state government has approved a study for the restoration of the old welfare office building in Kota Kinabalu, with an allocated funding of RM2 million for the mapping development system and RM200,000 for the study of the old welfare office restoration project.
Hajiji stated that the mapping system aims to modernize the management of information related to Sabah’s ethnic cultures. The redevelopment or restoration of the British North Borneo Chartered Company building, which was destroyed in a fire, is part of this mapping system. The goal is to convert the historical site and building into a cultural art gallery to enhance Sabah’s cultural heritage preservation efforts.
The restoration of these historical buildings will be overseen by the Sabah Cultural Board, as announced by Hajiji. These initiatives are part of the government’s efforts to diversify and enhance tourism products in the state, with a target of achieving three million tourist arrivals this year. In addition to culture and arts tourism, ecotourism and community-based products are becoming increasingly popular among both local and international travelers.
Chief Minister Hajiji encouraged local ethnic associations to organize their own cultural programs and develop community-based tourism in their respective areas. Sabah’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity is seen as a unique asset that should be preserved and promoted by the people of Sabah themselves. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of safeguarding and showcasing these cultural assets.
He highlighted the ongoing Bajausama Cultural Festival in Tuaran, expressing hope that the festival will serve as a platform for unity and youth involvement in arts and cultural activities. Hajiji emphasized the significance of cultural events like the Bajausama Festival in fostering community spirit and preserving Sabah’s heritage for future generations. He urged the youth to actively participate in cultural activities and contribute to the preservation of their cultural identity.
