KOTA KINABALU: Rustic Kiulu, which sits on the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, is set to be Sabah's example of a thriving agricultural and rural tourism destination, says Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Bangkuai, the Kiulu assemblyman, said a plan has been outlined to elevate Kiulu's economic status in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan.
He said the strategy would leverage Kiulu’s tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing potential.
He said this at the Mukim Nabalu Kaamatan Festival launch at Pekan Nabalu on Saturday (July 6).
Bangkuai said Kiulu is an example of a thriving rural destination and community-based tourism.
"We must build on this success. Agriculture is also our key strength, with pineapple being the main crop.
“We need to capitalise on this,” he said, adding that by advancing their agricultural sector, Kiulu creates opportunities to explore manufacturing.
Joniston also said that rural tourism in Kiulu has generated some 400 jobs.
He added that he would direct a portion of his ADUN allocation to repairing and building agricultural roads in the constituency.
Kiulu has more than 70 agricultural roads.
