A mesmerising blend of culture, food, handicraft, shows and other interesting events has hit Sabah with the Minggu Perpaduan programme, organised by the Ministry of National Unity till this Sunday (June 14).
Visitors to this event at the Likas Sports Complex are guaranteed not only a fun-filled day, but also an eye-opening experience while learning about the many cultures and diversities in Malaysia that they seldom get to encounter in Sabah.
There are exhibitions on the Royal Institution, security forces, ethnic homes and villages, competitions like cooking, butod eating, craft making, lucky draws, creative corners, traditional sports, mobile services provided by various agencies, handicraft making demonstrations and many more.
A group of teachers from the Tabika Perpaduan Papar - Roziawati Santari, Norvirawanti Ahmad and Sahdiah Aliuddin, were intrigued by the Indian Home that was decorated with floral garlands and other motifs.
They were given the chance to decorate their own kolam (colourful geometric floor art), paint pots, experience getting sprinkled by rosewater, play chess and other interactive activities.
“This is interesting because the Indian community is small in Sabah. Learning and experiencing other cultures lets us understand each other better, and it is important for a better understanding if we were to live harmoniously in a multicultural society like Malaysia,” said Norvirawati.
A mother who was holding her two excited sons at the food truck area said she loves bringing her children to events like these because they get to learn about other cultures.
“For children, they think they come for the food and the games but actually, interactive learning like this helps develop their brains, and it helps them understand that we are not just made up of one race or one religion in this world,” said the 35-year-old who declined to be named.
At the exhibition sales area, many local food, products and services were displayed for customers but some of the products which stood out were ethnic based crafts such as handbags, accessories and clothes.
Handicraft maker Inung Tabal, 58, from Kg Inukiran Matunggong off northern Kudat, was busy explaining about the saring - a bracelet-like beaded accessory and Torot, usually worn with their Rungus traditional attire to visitors.
“Usually, the original ones are made with brass and metal materials but this one here, they are mainly beads because it is less expensive and not as heavy,” she explained, adding how exhibitions like these help local crafters like herself promote their products.
Beg maker Mellisa Lapinjang, 45, from Penampang, was going back and forth between the beg stations while her customers selected and asked about the designs and materials used to make the ethnic-inspired handbags.
These bags were woven with special PVC weaves, matched with lace, batik cloth mixed with contemporary designs.
“I started this business when I had to quit my office job to care for my ill child some 13 years ago, and today, this pastime of mine has turned into a business for many other aspiring designers and me,” she said, adding that programmes like this help her business grow.
Another, Jezzra Joffri, 29, from Matunggong, also spent a lot of time explaining how her beaded lanyards and other woven fabrics were used to make accessories, bags and other items for everyday use to customers.
The Minggu Perpaduan Negara programme is aimed at strengthening unity, understanding and respect amongst the people of various races and religions in the country.
Visitors get to immerse themselves in what has been made to look like a multi-cultural space, all in one location.
Other than that, there are performances such as lion dances, kite-making workshops, pocket talks, e-sports, concerts, battle of the bands, Ratu Perpaduan (Unity Queen), Madani Agro Sales, Rahmah Sale, educational activities and much more to be enjoyed.
