Sabah Deputy CM insists on strict adherence to World Heritage status amid cable car proposal for Mount Kinabalu

SABAH’S Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun has reaffirmed that there will be no compromise on the preservation of Mount Kinabalu's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, despite the ongoing consideration of a cable car project in the region.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday during an Aidilfitri thanksgiving event at the Ranau Community Hall, Masidi stressed that any development in the area must prioritise environmental conservation and the heritage values of the mountain, which is not only an iconic natural wonder but also a national treasure.

“The cable car project is a commercial consideration, but we must not forget that Mount Kinabalu is a World Heritage Site,” he said.

"This status comes with certain conditions that must be adhered to, and in my view, there can be no compromise on these conditions."

The remarks followed comments by Sabah’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Datuk Jafri Ariffin, who highlighted the importance of carefully assessing any proposed development around Mount Kinabalu, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and the preservation of the region’s natural heritage.

Masidi, who is also the Assemblyman for Karanaan, added that studies are currently being conducted to assess the feasibility of the cable car project and its potential impact on the surrounding area.

He reiterated that the state government’s priority remains the safeguarding of the mountain’s World Heritage values.

“The ongoing study is not just about the financial benefits or income; it is about ensuring that the World Heritage Site we have in Sabah remains protected from any harmful developments,” he explained.

While the proposed cable car project has sparked interest for its potential to boost tourism, Masidi reaffirmed that any decision would be made only after careful evaluation, ensuring that development does not undermine the natural and cultural significance of Mount Kinabalu.

"We must ensure that any new development around the mountain does not threaten the World Heritage status that we hold so dear in Sabah," he added. - April 5, 2026