Deputy minister says Tanjung Aru Island’s unique attractions can empower local MSMEs through community-based tourism ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
KINABATANGAN: The tourism potential of Tanjung Aru Island can serve as a new catalyst for local economic development, particularly in empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Mohamad Alamin said the area has unique attractions, including a water village, traditional food products and marine activities.
“I see a lot of potential here, not only for homestays and tourism assets, but also to expand activities such as deep-sea fishing that can attract both domestic and foreign tourists,” he told reporters.
He said these are among the potentials that need to be developed after an engagement session with the local entrepreneurial community.
Mohamad said various funds have been provided under his ministry to support community-based tourism development ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
This includes support for homestay development, tourism jetty expansion and the addition of tourism assets and activities.
He stressed that an integrated approach among agencies is crucial to ensure government assistance meets grassroots entrepreneurs’ needs.
“I urge the Director-General of TEKUN Nasional, AIM, as well as SME Corp, Bank Rakyat and SME Bank, to work in an integrated manner to assist entrepreneurs,” he said.
Mohamad added he would continue to engage and interact with the local community to support them.
As a water village inhabited by a fishing community, Pulau Tanjung Aru is located about three nautical miles from Sandakan and is only accessible by boat.
The village is home to the Brunei ethnic community, a minority group in Sabah largely found in Membakut, Beaufort, Labuan and Brunei.
