Papar:Papar's first five-star hotel, the InterContinental Sabah Kota Kinabalu Resort located in Melinsung, is scheduled to commence operations in December 2027.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Papar Member of Parliament Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced that the RM1 billion development is being undertaken by Taiwan-based Sinyi Group and spans over 80 acres (32.4 hectares). IHG Hotels and Resorts is set to manage the hotel once it opens.

As of September 2026, overall construction progress was reported at approximately 34.1 percent, with the main hotel structure reaching 47.7 percent completion. The main hotel is anticipated to open in December 2027, with the entire resort following in 2028, ultimately providing around 700 new jobs.

Armizan, who also serves as Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, highlighted that the project includes 418 rooms and accommodation units, aiming to establish an international-standard tourism destination in the district. He noted that efforts to attract such an investment began in October 2021 when he, along with Sinyi Group directors and district officers, evaluated several potential resort sites.

Sinyi Group ultimately selected Papar as the location for its international-standard tourism destination, the InterContinental Sabah Kota Kinabalu Resort. The visit to review project progress was attended by Kawang assemblyman Datuk Seri Gulamhaidar Khan Bahadar and other local leaders, who received updates from the developer and inspected the construction site.

Armizan emphasized that beyond developing a resort, the investment should generate local employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in sectors such as food, transport, supply, and tourism services in Papar.