KOTA KINABALU, Feb 13, 2026 — Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has called on Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) to revisit and revitalise its sister city agreements to strengthen the state capital’s standing as a leading tourism and cultural destination.
Joniston, whose portfolio includes overseeing DBKK, said Kota Kinabalu should fully leverage its existing international partnerships to enhance cultural exchanges, stimulate urban economic growth and expand its global presence.
Highlighting China as Sabah’s main tourism market, he noted that DBKK had established friendship city agreements with Jiangmen in 2012, Wuhan in 2015, as well as Hangzhou and Xi’an in 2019.
“Revisiting these relationships could open fresh opportunities for cultural and economic collaboration,” he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the 10th Annual Chinese New Year Carnival here on Wednesday.
“Kota Kinabalu has the potential to position itself more strongly on the international stage. I believe our sister city networks can help us achieve that if we fully utilise them,” he added.
Also present were Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah and Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) president Tan Sri T.C. Goh.
Joniston praised FCAS and DBKK for jointly organising the annual carnival, describing its 10th edition as a milestone that reflects strong collaboration between the city authorities and the community.
He observed that the large turnout from the Chinese community and tourists underscored the carnival’s growing appeal and its contribution to fostering unity while promoting Kota Kinabalu as a vibrant tourism destination.
The event, which began on Feb 9, featured dragon and unicorn dances, singing performances and a wide array of hawker stalls, showcasing both traditional and contemporary elements of Chinese culture.
