Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

PENAMPANG: The long-awaited ‘The Majulan Hotel; has officially opened its doors at ITCC Penampang, as the latest hotelier landmark here, bringing a new chapter to Sabah’s hospitality landscape with a vision to boost Sabah’s tourism industry ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).

Established by a prominent Kadazan family, the 10-storey hotel is the final piece of the integrated ITCC Penampang that houses a shopping mall, office blocks, a grand ballroom and residential units. 

Its Chief Executive Officer Alexander Hugo Malakun said the newly-opened ‘The Majulan Hotel’ operates with a concept that blends contemporary comfort, cultural authenticity, and community partnership. 

He said the addition of the hotel completes ITCC as a one-stop destination where guests can meet, shop, dine, and stay under one roof.

“Our vision was to deliver a hotel that offers contemporary essentials with reliable comfort, but also carries the warmth and authenticity of Sabah hospitality.

“The Majulan Hotel operates in the three-star category but is engineered to ‘outperform its class.’ The hotel offers 163 rooms across Superior, Deluxe, and Premier categories, including configurations suitable for families, long stays, and business travellers.

“Guests will also enjoy a vibrant selection of facilities such as a café and restaurant on Level 1, a pool and gym on Level 3, and a rooftop viewing deck on Level 10 with panoramic views of Penampang.

 “The hotel also provides seamless access to ITCC’s event facilities, which can host up to 1,800 guests, positioning it as a prime destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE),” he said.

Alexander said this to Daily Express after the grand opening of ‘The Majulan Hotel’ by the Sabah’s Head of State Tun Musa Aman here on August 20, 2025.

Tun Musa and his consort Toh Puan Faridah Tussin have marked the auspicious event by cutting a ribbon in a ceremony together with the hotel Chairman Datuk Seri Clarence B. Malakun and his wife who is also the company’s Managing Director Datin Seri Sylvia Malakun, their three children – Alexander, Benjamin and Abigail together with Deputy CEO Alice Chew, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew and Sabah Police Acting Deputy Commissioner SAC Datuk Mohd Azhar Hamin.

In the same event, Tun Musa also signed a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening of the newest hotel here witnessed by the Malakun family. 

Beyond its modern facilities, Alexander said the Majulan Hotel carries with it a rich heritage rooted in Penampang’s history and community spirit.

He said the hotel was named in honour of his great-grandfather, Majulan Datu Damidal, an elder from Kampung Sugud who once hosted the legendary Mat Salleh and his followers.

“Aki Majulan was known for his kindness in guiding the community through hardship. In times of scarcity, he opened his land to the landless and provided food for those in need. He stood as a beacon of care and fairness.

“That legacy was carried forward by Majulan’s daughter, Ina Toing Zineh Majulan, and the legacy is carried forward today by her son, our hotel’s chairman, Datuk Seri Clarence B. Malakun. 

“Hence, we dedicated this hotel to three generations of community leadership, so that care and fairness remain at the heart of all that we do,” Alexander added.

In addition, he said one of the most striking features inside the hotel is a large sculpture of a mountain view, prominently displayed along the staircase. 

“The artwork portrays scenic landscape of the highest mountain in the country, Mount Kinabalu, set within a village backdrop representing Sabah’s native communities.

“The sculpture was created by a skilled artist from China who captured the essence of ancestral life in Penampang,” he said.

According to him, the hotel’s construction was delayed few years back due to the global pandemic and its development re-started in 2024.

“The development faced challenges during the pandemic, as well as supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainty and the complexities of building within an active integrated complex. 

“However our Chairman Datuk Seri Clarence B. Malakun and our Managing Director Datin Seri Sylvia Malakun stayed on the course and inspired us to finish well. All were managed through phased works, rigorous testing, and a lean, hands-on team.

“Finally, the hotel, valued at more than RM80 million, was completed over 18 months as part of the broader ITCC programme, demonstrating long-term confidence in Penampang’s growth,” he said.

In supporting the local economy, Alexander said the hotel has created over 40 job opportunities, with all positions filled by local staff. 

“We have a majority-local team across operations, culinary, and engineering, with structured training and career pathways. Beyond direct employment, we also generate opportunities for local suppliers, artisans, cultural performers, and tour operators.

“As our hotel grows, we will continue to increase the number of jobs and provide more career opportunities for the local community as well as rendering indirect opportunities through local suppliers and event partners.

“The goal is to ensure that tourism benefits the local community while giving visitors an authentic Kadazandusun and Sabah experience,” he said.

Alexander said The Majulan Hotel is also active in conducting corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. 

Besides providing free weekly Kadazan classes, he said the hotel and ITCC regularly organise blood donation drives in support of community needs as one way to attract crowds and hotel guests.

To stay competitive in Kota Kinabalu’s growing hospitality market, he said The Majulan Hotel is banking on its value-for-money proposition, ITCC integration, and unique Penampang-based experiences.

“Our ambition is to become a ‘must-stay’ destination in Sabah by delivering flawless service, genuine warmth, and signature moments—from rooftop views to curated local experiences—that keep guests coming back.

“To mark its launch, the hotel is offering promotional packages for both leisure stays and meetings, which can be checked through our official website and brochures.

Guests arriving at Majulan can expect a smooth check-in, easy navigation between hotel and ITCC facilities, and insider tips for exploring Penampang,” Alexander said.

Designed with a contemporary aesthetic, he said the hotel incorporates subtle Sabah influences through warm materials and artwork celebrating Penampang’s heritage. 

“While we meet international standards for safety and efficiency, our authenticity comes through our people, our food, and our storytelling. Comfort comes first, but culture is woven in with respect,” he said.