PENAMPANG, February 12 — Datuk Ewon Benedick, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, has proposed the development of religious tourism in Sabah as a new Visit Malaysia Year 2026 attraction.
According to him, this would demonstrate the distinctiveness and diversity of Malaysians, particularly in Sabah, which is renowned for its peace, harmony, and unity among individuals from various racial and religious origins.
Mosques, churches, Hindu temples, and Buddhist temples are all respectfully situated near one another in Sabah, as seen by the districts of Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu, and others.
During the Thaipusam celebration at the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Jalan Lama Penampang, Kinarut, he stated, “This is something special that we can promote through religious tourism so that both local and international tourists can understand how Malaysians live together in harmony through tolerance and respect.”
Ewon went on to say that he would recommend to his fellow members of the Tourism Ministry that “religious pilgrimage tourism” be promoted as one of Sabah’s primary draws.
“I’ll present this concept to the Ministry of Tourism so they can research its potential and incorporate it into Visit Malaysia 2026’s Visit Malaysia Year or Visit Sabah Year,” he stated.
“I think this can be improved for Sabah and will be one of our advantages,” he said.
Ewon added that if this strategy moves forward, his ministry might use its agencies to assist in funding the travel and tourism sector.
We already have a few support initiatives at the ministry level, such as Jejak Koperasi. We already have money that can be utilized to support these tourist destinations if they are run by cooperatives.
He stated, “I think the Ministry of Tourism can look into how to attract both local and foreign tourists to Sabah for the religious pilgrimage tourism in terms of the tourism packages and programs.”
“This would demonstrate not only the splendour of Sabah’s islands and mountains but also the tolerance and respect that exist among its various religious communities,” he said.
Sabah might benefit economically from religious tourism, according to Ewon, particularly for tour companies, travel agencies, lodging facilities, dining establishments, and religious places.
It’s evident that a lot of tourists visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque just to snap photos. However, it would be beneficial for tourists to learn about and appreciate Sabah’s religious peace if they were also escorted to other places of worship.
He stated, “I think this is something we need to highlight more in Sabah.”
Ewon, a member of parliament from Penampang, also said that he will keep helping with local religious issues after giving RM30,000 to the Sri Subramaniar Temple last year.
“Last year, I also assisted this temple in receiving RM150,000 in funding from the Prime Minister’s Office. This year, I have learned of additional needs, which I will assist with,” he stated.
Ewon also thanked the Indian community, stating that they have contributed to religious harmony, solidarity, and nation-building.
“We must keep in mind that the Malaysia Agreement was also signed by Indian leaders. This indicates that they have always played a significant role and that they, along with other communities, share responsibility for constructing this nation.
“We all have a part to play in the development of our nation, which is ours. Improve our ability to collaborate, begins with respect, tolerance, and understanding between various faith communities.
“This cooperation will allow us to concentrate on Sabah’s actual requirements, including infrastructure, economic growth, and other enhancements,” he stated. The Borneo Post
