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ONCE a quiet rural area, Kiulu has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 12 years, emerging as a hub for community-based tourism and sustainable development.
Now elevated to the status of a sub-district, Kiulu is setting its sights on ambitious projects in both tourism and agriculture.
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the incumbent assemblyman for Kiulu said the concerted push to develop rural tourism had not only created new business opportunities but also improved the livelihoods of local residents.
"I remember when I first became the assemblyman. There were only three or four tourism operators here. Today, we have 80 tourism operators in Kiulu," New Straits Times reported Joniston telling supporters during his campaign at Tamu Pekan Kiulu today.
Joniston, who is defending his seat for a fourth term in the Sabah General Election, revealed that Kiulu was in the final stages of assessment to join Cittaslow, an international network of “Slow Cities” that emphasises sustainable, community-driven development.
If successful, Kiulu will be the first location in Malaysia to gain recognition, joining more than 300 locations worldwide.
"This will help internationalise rural tourism in Kiulu," he said.
Looking beyond tourism, Joniston outlined plans to develop Kiulu as an agricultural hub.
A RM1.5 million allocation has been approved this year for the construction and upgrading of 47 agricultural roads, a move expected to benefit more than 1,000 farmers in the region.
"Soon, we will have small cottage industries based on pineapple, ginger and other local produce. I have a clear plan. Our focus is to ensure we can empower the local economy and boost the people's income," he said.
With these initiatives, Kiulu aims to become a blueprint for balanced rural development, combining sustainable tourism with thriving agricultural enterprises. - November 18, 2025
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