By Olivia Miwil - March 31, 2022 @ 4:30pm
TENOM: Sabah is hoping for the Kalimaran festival to be promoted as one of the tourism products in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the festival, which the Murut community celebrates, would not only be attractive for Malaysians but also foreigners.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the state-level Kalimaran festival was an annual event since 2003.
"Sabah is renowned as a tourist destination. The uniqueness of the multi-ethnic culture and arts in Sabah is one of our strengths in the field of cultural tourism.
"The organisation of the Kalimaran and other traditional festivals are also examples of the state's cultural tourism products that should be preserved and strengthened.
"It could also contribute to our efforts to promote, conserve and honour the culture and arts in Sabah," he said after the Kalimaran launch at the Kemabong town here.
Present was Kemabong assemblyman cum Sabah Murut Association president Datuk Rubin Balang.
Jeffrey, who is also Keningau member of Parliament, said the festival showcased various handicraft, food and traditional dances of the Murut community.
There were also exhibition on paintings and carvings of old symbols which are still being used in some traditional houses of the Murut people.
Themed as "Preserving the Customs and Culture of the Murut", Jeffrey also said the celebration of such a festival would be important in preserving the culture among youngsters, fostering understanding and unity among the people in Sabah.
With the reopening of borders for international tourists starting tomorrow, he said the district here could also offer several tourist destinations such as the Sabah Agriculture Park, Murut Cultural Centre, Tenom coffee, and white water rafting, among others.
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