Sabah Boosts New Safety and Sustainability Efforts Ahead of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 to Enhance Tourist Experience

Published on December 3, 2025

While Sabah continues to gear up for the much-awaited Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the Sabah Tourism Board remains committed to developing a better tourist experience, with great emphasis on safety and sustainability. According to Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of STB, safety is among the most important elements driving tourists’ decisions to choose their destinations. With tourism globally recovering and growing, after the pandemic, aspirations for safe and seamless travel experiences are more prominent than ever.

This event, a collaboration between Setia and SSTC, is an important step to ensure the preparedness of transportation infrastructure in light of the expected surge in tourist arrivals. In its continued effort to take safety seriously as it prepares for this influx of tourists, Sabah aims to be a destination where one can travel safely and with peace of mind in exploring all there is to see and experience in the region.

Training and Safety Measures to Support Tourism Growth

As Sabah prepares for VMY 2026, the defensive driving course is just one of many initiatives aimed at preparing the local workforce for the influx of visitors. The course, designed for drivers in the tourism sector, equips them with the skills needed to ensure the safe movement of tourists throughout the region, reducing the likelihood of accidents and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The tourism industry in Sabah is particularly dependent on transportation, with visitors frequently traveling to natural attractions, remote villages, and eco-tourism destinations. With safety as a core component, the course prepares local drivers to handle the demands of a growing tourism market while ensuring the well-being of visitors. This will contribute to building visitor confidence and encouraging repeat visits, both key to the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry.

The focus on safety is not only about preparing drivers but also extending to other areas such as emergency services, visitor-friendly infrastructure, and tourism-related transportation systems. Efforts to streamline these areas will create a seamless travel experience, ensuring tourists feel comfortable and safe at every stage of their visit, whether they are exploring Sabah’s world-renowned beaches, rainforests, or cultural heritage sites.

Tourism’s Impact on Sabah’s Economy

The importance of tourism to Sabah’s economy cannot be overstated. As one of the most significant sources of revenue and employment in the region, tourism supports thousands of businesses, from accommodation providers and tour operators to transportation services and local artisans. By focusing on tourist safety, Sabah aims to enhance its competitive edge as a tourism hub within Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

The upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 is expected to bring significant economic benefits not only to Sabah, but also to the country as a whole. With safety a top priority, Sabah is taking proactive steps to ensure that it is prepared for this influx of tourists. Beyond the defensive driving course, further initiatives are underway to enhance destination infrastructure, promote responsible tourism, and preserve local cultures and ecosystems.

A Focus on Sustainable Tourism Development

In line with its focus on safety, Sabah is committed to fostering sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and the local community. This approach ensures that the region’s unique natural environments and cultural heritage are preserved for future generations while offering visitors meaningful and authentic travel experiences.

As part of VMY 2026, Sabah will showcase its diverse eco-tourism offerings, including mountain adventures in Kinabalu Park, scuba diving in Sipadan, and cultural explorations in Sabah’s indigenous villages. These experiences are not only a major draw for tourists but also an essential part of Sabah’s tourism strategy. Sustainable practices such as eco-friendly accommodations, responsible wildlife tourism, and support for local artisans are being integrated into the tourism industry to ensure that growth is managed in a way that supports the environment and local communities.

Boosting Domestic and International Tourism

Sabah’s strategic efforts are already yielding results. With the region’s increasing focus on tourism infrastructure and safety measures, the tourism sector has seen a steady rise in both domestic and international arrivals in recent years. The upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 is expected to see an even larger increase in tourist numbers, with visitors drawn by the region’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities.

Increased tourist arrivals are expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local economy, creating opportunities for local businesses and generating jobs in a variety of sectors. Additionally, by ensuring that visitors feel safe, Sabah is positioning itself as a top-tier destination for both short-term leisure and long-term travel.

Positioning Sabah for the Future of Tourism

Beyond VMY 2026, Sabah is fully committed to the further development of its tourism sector, placing particular emphasis on safety, sustainability, and community involvement. In this respect, Sabah will continuously upgrade its infrastructure in cooperation with both the public and private sectors, while introducing fresh tourism initiatives to further raise its profile internationally.

In so doing, Sabah is laying a strong foundation for continued growth and sustainability in its tourism industry for years to come. Indeed, besides guaranteeing a successful Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the region’s commitment to providing a safe, enriching, and culturally respectful environment makes it one of Southeast Asia’s most desirable destinations.