PENAMPANG, May 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said rapid growth in Sabah’s development and tourism sector has surpassed earlier projections, prompting the federal government to expedite infrastructure upgrading works, particularly at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).

He said the significant increase in tourist arrivals to the state has created an urgent need to improve and expand existing facilities.

“Under normal projections, there would be no need to expand infrastructure at such a pace. However, Sabah’s growth has surpassed normal projections and recorded development that is truly commendable,” he said when launching the state-level Kaamatan Festival 2026 at Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here today.

Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

In his speech, Anwar praised Hajiji’s leadership, describing his administration as moderate and focused on development, stability and well-being, which has contributed to one of the strongest tourism growth rates in the country.

To ensure that no citizen or region is left behind, he said poverty eradication programmes and assistance initiatives such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) are being implemented nationwide.

“The difference is that we must accelerate and intensify our efforts in areas that are more underdeveloped. There are remote districts in Pahang, as well as rural and interior areas in Sabah and Sarawak. Therefore, our focus must be directed towards these areas,” he said.

On the Kaamatan Festival, Anwar said he was proud to have made the cultural celebration an annual event in his official calendar.

He said this reflected the Madani Government’s commitment not only to promoting racial, religious and cultural diversity, but also to translating those principles into tangible action.

He added that official events organised under his administration have never sidelined the cultural participation of Sabah communities, while policies implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture consistently ensure the full inclusion of the country’s diverse cultural traditions.

“To become a state leader, let alone a national leader, one must project a character that reflects not only concern for one’s own race, religion or community, but also the capacity to understand and care for all communities in our country.

“The same applies to state leaders and leaders of ethnic communities. They must embrace diversity. The moment we focus solely on the interests of a particular group, it runs contrary to the spirit of unity and undermines our culture,” he said. — Bernama