Sabah embarks on five-year initiative to document multi-ethnic heritage, says Hajiji

PENAMPANG, May 31 — The Sabah government is implementing a five-year initiative running until 2030 to document the establishment of the state’s multi-ethnic culture as a reference for future generations and as a tourism asset.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the documentation effort is important to ensure that ethnic heritage and traditions are not lost, while also strengthening the Kaamatan Festival as one of the main tourism products capable of elevating Sabah’s profile on the world stage.

“Kaamatan Festival is not just a cultural celebration, but an important platform to preserve ethnic traditions, foster tolerance, and strengthen political stability and state development.

“The presence of visitors from near and far makes this celebration special, with a diversity of sights, sounds, flavours and warm hospitality that we are all proud of,” he said. Sabah has more than 30 ethnic groups.

He said this when delivering a speech at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Sabah State-Level Kaamatan Festival, officiated by Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman at Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here today.

Also present were the Yang Dipertua Negeri’s wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin; Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also chairman of the State-Level Kaamatan Festival Main Organising Committee 2026; and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

Touching on the state’s development agenda, Hajiji said the government remains committed to ensuring sustainable development and the well-being of the people through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap.

According to him, key focuses under the roadmap include creating more job opportunities, increasing agricultural sector productivity, empowering human capital, and safeguarding the welfare of both urban and rural communities.

He said that in line with this year’s theme, the people are urged to remain united in facing various challenges such as economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living.

“Ethnic diversity and cultural differences in Sabah should not be an obstacle; instead, they should form the basis of unity among the people and the development of the state.

“A bright future for Sabah cannot be delivered by political rhetoric, but through hard work, dedication, harmonious efforts and sincere cooperation from all levels of society,” he stressed. — Bernama