Tawau to hold international cultural festival

TAWAU: The second Tawau International Cultural Festival is expected to attract between 50,000 to 70,000 visitors, and tourist and tourism players are called to play their role and promote the many places of interest in the district.

Tawau Municipal Council (TMC) president Datuk Ismail Mayakob when confirming the festival date on February 11, said this year’s festival would showcase the traditional wedding ceremony of each ethnic group apart from their unique traditional dance that would be performed by the villagers themselves and not by performers.

“There are a lot of changes this year and 25 ethnic groups have already confirmed their participation,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

Ismail said apart from the many ethnic groups in Tawau, Johore Bahru and Sarawak had also confirmed their participation, while Indonesia and Brunei had given a positive response to the invitation,” he said.

He said in the morning, there would be a showcase and sales of traditional food and the highlights would be at night in front of the TMC building.

Continue reading at: Tawau to hold international cultural festival
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Kota Belud Tamu Besar Festival on world tourism map

KOTA BELUD: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman wants the culturally-rich Kota Belud Tamu Besar Festival to be given an international flavour.

He wants the festival — a gathering of people of different races, religions and cultures — highlighted on the world tourism map.

Musa welcomed the various initiatives and latest developments in organising the festival, including the parade of Bajau horsemen in their full regalia, and handicraft products such as cloth, mat, hat and rotan products which could be commercialised as tourist items.

“The festival display the rich, unique and special cultures of the local communities. This is actually one of the special features or uniqueness of Tamu Kota Belud which was inherited several decades ago,” he said when opening the Kota Belud Tamu Besar at the Cultural Stage here yesterday.

Continue reading at: Kota Belud Tamu Besar Festival on world tourism map

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Paitan festival enriches country’s traditional culture

BELURAN: Deputy Information, Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang has described the holding of the Taggungu Festival as an effective approach to promote the cultural heritage of the Paitan area and to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

“I believe there are traditional music and arts in this district which still remain unexposed to the outside world.

“The organising of this festival can be viewed as a platform for the Sungai Labuk tribes to promote their cultural heritage.

“By re-introducing traditional music and dances, it will help to revive our cultural heritage thereby enriching the country’s traditional culture,” Salang said when officiating the festival here yesterday.

More than 2,000 local people attended the event, including Beluran member of parliament Datuk Ronald Kiandee, Kuamut assemblyman Masiung Banah and Sugut assemblyman Datuk Surady Kayong.

Meanwhile, Salang expressed hope that heritage arts, such as carving and weaving, could be included in the festival next year since the area has the experts not only in traditional music and dance but also in the field of sculpture, weaving and other crafts.

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Sabah cultural village set to be latest attraction at KDCA compound

PENAMPANG: There is no better way to promote the rich cultural diversity in Sabah than allowing one to experience it themselves.

And with that in mind, Datuk Richard Bainon took up the challenge to redevelop the existing cultural village within the compound of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), also known as the Hongkod Koisaan (Place of Unity).

With the addition of a suspension bridge, a handicraft centre, a landscape garden with a pond and a fully functional stage as final touches to the area, it is set to be the latest attraction complementing the 11 traditional houses at the cultural village.

Developed at a cost of nearly RM1 million, the place is run by KDCA Cultural Village Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between a private company and the association which aims to turn the Hongkod Koisaan into a one-stop tour attraction to woo guests all year long.

Dubbed the KDCA Cultural Village, Bainon, who is the venture’s chairman, said the area complements Hongkod Koisaan, which is already a magnet for revelers during the final week of the month-long Kaamatan (Harvest) Festival celebration in May.

“But it remains idle the rest of the year except for a few activities. So we thought that since Hongkod Koisaan is already a household name for cultural programmes, why not make full use of the advantage and turn it into a one-stop centre to further promote the rich cultural diversity from Sabah.

“They will stage shows with performances from the various ethnic groups in Sabah by our very own dance team. In fact, we are also encouraging locals from different ethnics and districts to come and stay at their respective ‘houses’ to promote their handicrafts. This interactive exhibition will be done inside the 11 traditional houses,” said Bainon,who is also KDCA deputy president.

At the new cafe, the public will be served with traditional delicacies.

“We want to present our food in such a way that it can be savoured and appreciated by visitors … you are bound to find hinava, bambangan and basung fish on the menu,” he said when hosting a get-together with tour agents and other tourism players recently.

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Sabahans celebrate Tadau Kaamatan in the UK

Malaysia’s Sabahan residents in the United Kingdom and Europe held a fantastically successful Tadau Kaamatan celebration during the long holiday weekend from 26 to 28 August 2011.

While London was holding the world famous Notting Hill Carnival, the Kadazan-Dusun festival was held at an idyllic country setting in the middle of the Dartmoor National Park, Devon. Just as well – because the party went on well past midnight on Friday and Saturday to the sound of sweet music and endless renditions of Sabah songs, gongs, karaoke and sumazau “pangkis”, with only the birds being subjected to the cacophony of sounds.

More than 40 people attended from as far as Denmark, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands and from all parts of the UK.

This is the first time that a well-organised celebration of Tadau Kaamatan has been held in England, after a lapse of more than twenty years.

And all this has been the culmination of the great initiative of a group of a close friends living in the UK, led by Alfred “Mon” Edward, from Penampang!

He received superb support and outstanding efforts from Nelda Marcus Hendon, Leo Rita Henry Stubbs, Victoria Taib Stickler, Nora Tanggau Gower, Eva James, Jenny Peter Yaacob (and her husband Subiraj Doraisingam from KL), Leona Poulton, and Vella Bernard etc., dutifully and ably assisted by their respective English husbands/partners, especially Mark Stickler and Mike Hendon.

The event began on Friday when car loads of beddings, cooking utensils and foodstuffs were brought to the Princetown Dartmoor Training Centre by the organisers. The enterprising Kadazan-Dusun womenfolk had their usual gotong royong spirit in preparing food for all the guests throughout the two nights and three days of festivity.

The celebration really kicked off when alcoholic beverages and great food was served, followed by sumazau and western-style dancing to the sound of throbbing Western and Kadazan music.

On Saturday, even the slightly cool weather of the moors did not dampen the enthusiasm of the organisers and their guests. They carried on with sporting events such as tug-of-war, arm wrestling and egg and spoon races etc. for which prizes were presented later in the evening.

In the evening, a traditional feast of all kinds of Kadazan-Dusun food such as Bambangan, Tuhau, Pinasakan, Hinava & Sup lihing etc was served much to the delight of the guests. Many of them have not tasted such delightful dishes for many years. The lavish dinner was followed by a short speech by the guest of honour, Johan Padasian, who happened to have been the oldest Kadazan present.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabahans celebrate Tadau Kaamatan in the UK

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Places of Interest in Sabah: Murut Cultural Centre, Tenom

The Murut Cultural Centre is situated in Kampung Pulong, about 10 kilometers away from Tenom town.



The location of this cultural centre is conspicuously located just by the roadside, on the left hand side of the road if you’re heading from the direction of Kota Kinabalu.



The centre covers an area of 33 acres and lies next to the Pegalan River. The humongous building of the Murut Cultural Centre alone stretches out to 20 acres large. The cultural centre houses an interesting gallery which displays many artifacts such as jars, gongs, and traditional designs of the indigenous Murut inhabitants.



The impressive buildings of the Murut Cultural Centre are mainly constructed out of local timber. The gigantic pillars epitomize elements of Murut architectures. Chiseled carvings on the pillars and the buildings’ interior panels offer a glimpse of the authentic Murut architecture.



The Murut Cultural Centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Source: Sabah Tourism



NOTE: Photo Copyright to e-borneo.com

ED NOTE: A recent visit on a sleepy Sunday found the Murut Cultural Centre to be 'sleeping'. We were not greeted by anyone and we simply tour the compound on our own. The Centre normally only comes alive once a year during the Pesta Kalimaran cultural celebration in April. It would be a shame if this impressive work of art and culture is left lifeless during the majority of the year. It would definitely be hard to impress tourists (both local and foreign) who walk-in to the Centre. More crucially, the colourful Murut culture will lose the opportunity to be introduced to visitors. But, it is still worthwhile to drop by at the Centre when you are in Tenom. With well-written information along all the displays and exhibits, a self-guided tour will be equally intriguing to learn more about the culture of the Muruts, one of the indigenous people of Sabah.

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Sabah holds celebrations for World's Indigenous People Day

The International Day of the World's Indigenous People today is being celebrated in Penampang, Sabah.



Several orang asli communities of Peninsular Malaysia, Dayak communities of Sarawak and Kadazan Dusun Murut communities of Sabah have been present at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association's Cultural Village since the four-day national level celebrations began on Saturday.



The annual celebration, which alternates between Sabah and Sarawak, is organised by the Indigenous People Network of Malaysia (Joas) and a few other indigenous non-governmental organisations.



The focus this year is on the contributions of indigenous women and youths in the economic sector and forest management.



Suhakam, a co-organiser for the event, conducted a forum on Indigenous Economic Development yesterday.



Suhakam commissioner Jannie Lasimbang, who presented a paper on “Economy, Traditional Occupation and Technology” at the forum, said the national human rights institution was aware that the rights of the indigenous peoples had not been adequately protected or promoted, and was seeking ways to improve the situation.



She said Suhakam was currently conducting Malaysia's first ever national inquiry into the land rights of indigenous people and working on their right to participate in all levels of decision-making.



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RM3m approved to build Bisaya Cultural Centre

Beaufort: The Bisaya community has every reason to smile - the Housing and Local Government Ministry has approved the construction of a RM3 million Bisaya Cultural Centre here.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Lajim Ukin, who made the announcement, said apart from becoming a culture and art activities centre, it would also be used to place the community's historical documents for posterity.

"The allocation warrant for the Cultural Centre has been prepared.

This proves that the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is committed to make the 1Malaysia concept a success even though the Bisayas are just a small community in Sabah," he said.

Speaking at the opening of the Eighth Adau Janang Gayuh celebration that was attended by more than 10,000 people here, he hoped the Cultural Centre would become a tourist attraction for the district.

Lajim, who is also President of the Sabah United Bisaya Association, said the centre was also a token of appreciation to the people here and in Kuala Penyu who have shown commitment to develop their areas.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, in his speech delivered by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor, said the involvement and strong support of the people for the various cultural-related programmes in Sabah was encouraging and further strengthened Sabah as the model of the 1Malaysia spirit.

He said he wanted to use excellence as bait to lure tourists to the State.

He said excellence should be reflected in programmes to highlight the potentials and uniqueness of a district or culture of the ethnic groups, especially those listed in the State tourism calendar.

Such an approach is essential to ensure the programmes remain attractive to the various strata of society each year, he noted.

Continue reading at: RM3m approved to build Bisaya Cultural Centre
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Sabah International Folklore Festival - Participants take to the streets

Kota Kinabalu: Participants from across the globe who will be performing at the Sabah International Folklore Festival paraded in the city centre, Tuesday.

The parade started from the Community Centre and ended at the City Hall building where Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir greeted them.

In his speech he said, the showcase of various cultures from different parts of the world would no doubt enable the people of the State, especially in the city, to enjoy the sensational blend of ethnic dances, as well as musical presentations.

"This festival is not only to celebrate the heritage of different countries but also acts as a platform for cultural exchange," Madingkir said, congratulating the Sabah Cultural Board for organising the festival.

"It is my hope that this festival will continue to be held in Sabah every year and perhaps, with an even bigger number of participating countries," Madingkir said.

Delegates from India, Slovakia, Latvia, Namibia, Taiwan, Belgium, Malaysia, Estonia, China, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, Thailand, Philippines and Egypt will be performing during the festival this year.

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‘Heart of Borneo’ communities linked by traditional music

KUCHING: When Elyas Yesaya from East Kalimantan started knocking on a ‘tubong’ to create a series of harmonies, the handful of music enthusiasts and historians at the Sarawak Museum broke into cheers as the bamboo instrument, not more than two feet long, is proof that the communities living in the ‘Heart of Borneo’ share common roots.

Geographically located in the middle of Borneo, the name ‘Heart of Borneo’ was given due to the several ecological wonders of the place among them, the huge network of rivers which brought and sustained lives in both Malaysia and Indonesia.

Even though separated by borders, the cultures and traditions of the communities living on the highlands have created a bond shared for generations.

In 2003, the late Datuk Dr Judson Sakai Tagal, former state assemblyman for Ba’ Kelalan, mooted the idea to form a forum to bring both countries under one roof as a stronghold to sustain cultures and traditions without borders.

It took a year to realise the dream, when the Borneo Highlands Community and Culture Forum (Forum Masyarakat Adat Dataran Tinggi Borneo, Formadat) was formed in October 2004 among the communities of Sarawak, Sabah and East Kalimantan.

For the Sarawak side, it was formed from the Lun Dayeh, Kelabit, Lun Bawang and Sa’ban from Bario, Ba Kelalan and Long Semadoh while East Kalimantan was made up of the Krayan Induk and Krayan Selatan communities.

Sabah completed the forum with her communities living in Long Pasia, Long Mio and Ulu Padas.

“This musical instrument is unique as it sounds quite similar to the gongs of the Orang Ulu in Sarawak,” said Elyas who handcrafted the musical instruments with skills he picked up at a young age.

Among the bamboo musical instruments Elyas handed to the Sarawak Museum director Ipoi Dantan were the agung bulu, kelinang, sanang, keng, telingut and ruding.

“These instruments are made from several types of bamboo,” said Elyas who explained that some of the musical instruments are actually everyday items in their community such as the keng which is used to pluck fruits.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: ‘Heart of Borneo’ communities linked by traditional music

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Bajau Laut: Gypsies of the sea

I’m in the southeastern Borneo town of Semporna, the gateway to the paradise islands of Sipadan, Mabul and many others, all of which are great diving spots.

But I’m not here to swim in the crystal clear ocean.

I’m here to visit the Bajau Laut settlement built on stilts over the Celebes Sea.

Originally hailing from the southern Philippines, these seafaring gypsies have migrated south over the last few decades to the Malaysian state of Sabah and onto islands in Indonesia.

They make up around 13 percent of the total population in Sabah, and their numbers around the world are currently estimated at 400,000.

While their nomadic lifestyle has been curtailed, the Bajau Laut still choose to build homes over the water on stilts.

The stilt village I visit is a melting pot of migrants from other parts of Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. I even came across a little girl from North Korea, whose family had escaped via China and finally settled here.

On the shores off Semporna, the first stilt homes are well designed and have all the usual modern conveniences.

I strike up a conversation in broken English with a retired Malaysian army officer and he invites me into his home for a quick peek.

Aside from the beautiful ocean view on three sides, the home was decorated like any other Malaysian home.

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Tombonuo dance enters Malaysia Book of Records

PITAS: For the first time in the history of the Tombonuo people here, they made it to the national level in their cultural activity by getting the Sumanggak dance into the Malaysia Book of Records.

The president of the Sabah Pitas Tombonuo People Association (PBTPS), Akian Ahkiew, said that this is a significant achievement for the Tombonuos who have all this while been excluded in major cultural events.

“It was a proud moment last month when the association’s dance group made it into the Malaysia Book of Records,” he said.

“Now we can look forward to more cultural activities and get our cultural heritage become an important part of Sabah’s and Malaysia’s cultural mosaic.”

He regretted that even at the state level, the Tombonuo dance has not been fully recognised unlike the dance of other ethnic groups.

“This is not entirely the fault of cultural organisers,” Akian admitted.

“It is also due to insufficient initiatives of the Tombonuo people themselves. But now, under the association’s new leadership, we are more aggressive in promoting the Tombonuo identity at the state and national level.”

The sumanggak dance was part of the marathon dance performance organised by the Malaysia Book of Records in Kota Marudu on May 21, 2011.

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Sumazau dancers create record

KOTA KINABALU: One thousand traditionally-garbed performers danced their way into the Malaysia Book of Records with the graceful Kadazandusun sumazau to mark the highlight of the Tadau Kaamatan Malaysia open house here last night.

With outstretched arms and swaying gracefully in unison to the beating of gongs, they were rewarded with loud cheers and applause by a crowd of thousands who braved the rain at the historic Padang Merdeka here.

Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin launched the celebrations, witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman and Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and other state and national leaders.

Musa told the crowd that Sabah's ethnic diversity was never an obstacle to unity among the people.

“Instead, this unique aspect has become our pillar of strength that has resulted in political stability, paving the way for economic and social growth,” he said.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Malaysia as a whole had reached a level of harmony that the people could be proud of.

In his speech, Dr Rais said the Kaamatan had become a renowned celebration and was among the basis on which the 1Malaysia concept could be built upon.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sumazau dancers create record
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Kaamatan promotes Sabah’s rich diversity

KOTA KINABALU: The Harvest Festival has indirectly help promote the uniqueness and diversity of Sabah apart from celebrating the cultural heritage of the Kadazandusun and Murut (KDM) communities.

The promotion through the concept of Malaysia Open House has also contributed to the increase in the arrival of tourists to Sabah which had recorded its highest growth so far of 2.5 million people in 2010.

“This is our uniqueness and I hope the spirit of Harvest Festival celebrations will continue to provide inspiration and strength for us to unite and strengthen the unity to ensure stability, peace and prosperity of our beloved state,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, at the closing ceremony of the State-level Kaamatan Festival at KDCA Hongkod Koisaan here yesterday.

The official closing ceremony was performed by Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.

“I myself had the opportunity to attend various celebrations and are pleased with the involvement and support of people of various races and cultures all over the state,” he noted.

Although the festival had reached its end, Musa believe the spirit of the celebration will continue and should be used as a platform to unite the people in the state, in line with the theme for this year celebration ‘understanding of the culture-wise step forward’.

He said the debut of some ethnic groups brought by KDCA at this year celebrations such as Tidung, Dusun Labuk, Sukang, Kuizau, Murut Tangala, Dumpas, Orang Sungai Kuamut and Orang Dusun Tabilung were to expose the uniqueness of their culture in a spirit of friendship, understanding and harmony.

He said the traditional performances presented throughout the celebrations by the various races and ethnic groups had further strengthen our cultural understanding, making Sabah an example for harmonious society as well as the best model for the 1Malaysia concept, achieved by everyone regardless of political boundaries.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaamatan promotes Sabah’s rich diversity

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Kaamatan a platform to strengthen unity

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the Harvest Festival celebration has provided a platform not only for all communities to come together but also to bury any hatchet and differences.

“It is time for forgive and forget our past and move forward,” he said at the closing ceremony of the State-level Kaamatan Festival celebration at KDCA Hongkod Koisaan here yesterday.

Pairin who is also the main organising chairman, said apart from the merriment, the celebrations has also provided a platform to strengthen the unity and understanding of the state diverse races, culture and ethnic groups as well as to appreciate the sacrifices of Huminodun while enjoying a bountiful harvest.

Sabah United Bisaya Association president Datuk Lajim Ukin who was present at the ceremony said: “There are more than 31 ethnic groups in Sabah who have their own custom, culture and dance respectively.

“So with this festival, we have the opportunity to highlight their culture and traditions to the public as well as become an attraction for the tourists,” said the Deputy Minister of Housing & Local Government.

“Our diverse cultures should be promoted to the visitors and when you understand our cultures, the international communities will recognise us,” he said.

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Hongkod Koisaan impresses with new look for Kaamatan 2011

PENAMPANG: The state-level Kaamatan 2011 has received thumbs up from regular visitors following a noticeable improvement of facilities at the Hongkod Koisaan, the permanent hosting site for the annual cultural extravaganza.

Kaamatan, the harvest festival of Sabah’s biggest ethnic group – the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM), is traditionally celebrated as a way of showing gratitude for a bountiful harvest of padi or rice.

Today, however, the Kaamatan festival is more of a celebration of culture and tradition, part of a continuous effort to preserve the colourful identity of an ethnic, and highly recognized as a tool for promoting inter-racial understanding.

And this year’s festival, according to visitor Shamsul Adzrin, is as grand as ever, only more joyous and festive with more people from all background coming to join the celebration.

“It’s more happening this year, that’s the vibe you get. You can see a number of new and upgraded structures, and more importantly there are more people and everyone is excited and happy,” said the 40-year-old from Johor.

Shamsul said he almost never missed coming to Hongkod Koisaan every Kaamatan since residing in Sabah 16 years ago, and noticed that the organizing of the event had continued to show gradual improvements over the years.

“I think this year’s improvement is quite noticeable. It is a job well done for the Kadazan Dusun Murut Cultural Association (KDCA),” he said, as unending flow of visitors continued to arrive despite the simmering hot midday temperature.

Over the years, local residents and tourists have been flocking to Hongkod Koisaan (which means the Unity Hall in the Kadazan language), for the state-level Kaamatan festival closing ceremony held every May 30 and 31.

However, this year, the organizer, KDCA, decided to go for a major revamping, offering visitors a refreshing change, both with the itinerary and facilities.

The renewal literally started at the doorstep, with visitors being greeted by the ‘KDCA Cultural Village’ arch which led them to a hanging bridge with a man-made pond underneath.

Continue reading at: Hongkod Koisaan impresses with new look for Kaamatan 2011

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Kaamatan Traditional Shows Strengthen Cultural Understanding

PENAMPANG -- Traditional shows put up during Pesta Kaamatan can strengthen cultural understanding between the various races and ethnic groups in Sabah.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the understanding forged via dances and exhibitions will strengthen unity and make them recognise and accept the heritage.

"This makes Sabah the best model for 1Malaysia Concept that should be joined by all regardless of political leaning", he said at the closing of Sabah Pesta Kaamatan at Hongkod Koisaan here Tuesday.

He believed that the spirit of Pesta Kaamatan will remain and used as a unifying platform by the people of Sabah.

Continue reading at: Kaamatan Traditional Shows Strengthen Cultural Understanding
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Unlocking village's tourism potential at Kadazandusun Cultural Village

KOTA KINABALU: A new era beckons the cultural village in the compound of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association building, also known as the Hongkod Koisaan or "Place of Unity".

A suspension bridge, a handicraft centre, a landscape garden with a pond and a fully functional stage look set to become the latest attractions complementing the 11 traditional houses at the cultural village.

Developed at a cost of over RM1 million, the place will be run by KDCA Cultural Village Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between a private company and the association which aims to turn the Hongkod Koisaan into a one-stop tour attraction to woo guests all year long.

Tapping Sabah's booming tourism industry, a team dedicated to promoting the assets within the Hongkod Koisaan grounds has been set up to showcase the unique cultures and traditions of the people here.

The venture's chairman, Datuk Richard Bainon, said the Hongkod Koisaan was a magnet for revellers during the final week of the month-long Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) celebration in May but remained idle the rest of the year except for a few activities.

"We plan to bring guests from all over the world to the place regularly and introduce them to the culture and traditions we have in Sabah," said Bainon, who is also the KDCA deputy president.

There will also be stage shows with performances from the various ethnic groups in Sabah, interactive exhibitions inside the 11 traditional houses showcasing the lifestyles of the people and sale of handicrafts.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Unlocking village's tourism potential at Kadazandusun Cultural Village

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Kaamatan kicks off with fun and games

KOTA KINABALU: An age old Dusun ritual to appease the rice spirits took centrestage at the two-day state level Pesta Kaamatan harvest celebrations.

The ritual known as Bobogo to mark a bountiful padi harvest was performed by a group of Tatana Dusuns from Kuala Penyu in southwest of Sabah and leading them was a chief priest known as Babaga.

The ritual was then followed by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman and Kadazandusun paramount leader (Huguan Siou) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan trying their hand at making a sago delicacy known as ambuyat.

Musa later beat the gong to mark the start of the Pesta Kaamatan celebrations at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association grounds in Penampang here yesterday.

The colourful annual celebrations of the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus communities saw a series of 11 traditional games, which included a tug-of-war match in which Musa and other VIPs took part.

Among the other games played were rampanau (bamboo stilt walking), mipulos (arm wrestling), momolistik (catapult), membujak (spearing), sumpit (blowpipe), pounding padi husks and gunny sack race.

Visitors were entertained with traditional music and dance by the various ethnic groups at this year's celebrations themed “Cultural Understanding The Way Forward”.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaamatan kicks off with fun and games
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Kaamatan, Gawai Dayak Festivals Worthy Of World Attention

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak festivals celebrated by ethnic communities in Sabah and Sarawak this week serve as an opportunity for Malaysians to showcase the country's cultural and ethnic diversity to the world.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that Malaysians living in Borneo would share their rich culture with other people with pride, including with fellow Malaysians from the peninsula.

Najib said peninsular Malaysians should take the opportunity to learn more about the country's cultural heritage.

"We shouldn't forsake our age-old traditions that bind us as one race, as we strive to transform Malaysia into a developed nation of high income.

"It all starts with our homeland, the need for us to appreciate our rich cultural heritage," Najib wrote in a posting on his www.1malaysia.com.my blogsite Monday.

Continue reading at: Kaamatan, Gawai Dayak Festivals Worthy Of World Attention

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