TAWAU: Beneath the colourful costumes and lively performances, 32 Sabah ethnic groups are bringing generations-old traditions to the stage in the hope that younger people will carry them forward.
The festival, held from July 25 to Aug 1, also featured participants from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Cambodia.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the 11th Tawau International Cultural Festival had established itself as a prestigious annual event, drawing interest at both national and international levels.
He said it provided an important platform for ethnic groups to showcase and preserve their customs, arts and cultural traditions.
"Culture is not merely a historical treasure, but an asset that must be protected and passed on to future generations," he said when officiating at the festival here on Saturday (Aug 1).
Hajiji said cultural festivals should continue as they allowed Sabah's diverse communities to introduce their heritage to younger generations and visitors.
"I want cultural festivals such as this to be continued and maintained because they are an important platform for promoting the cultural heritage of the state's various communities," he said.
He said Sabah's cultural diversity was also a strength that united its multi-ethnic population.
"The uniqueness of our culture is our strength. This festival not only showcases the identity of our people, but also symbolises the strong unity among the state's various ethnic communities," he said.
Hajiji said the participation of overseas delegations strengthened Tawau's role as a border town with strong links in cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation.
He said the festival also helped position Tawau as a dynamic cultural tourism destination capable of attracting visitors from Malaysia and abroad.
The event was expected to benefit the local economy through the arrival of domestic and international tourists.
Hajiji said entrepreneurs, homestay operators, artists and small traders were among those who could benefit from the festival.
The state government, he added, would intensify high-impact tourism programmes in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Sabah 2027.
These would include larger cultural and nature-based festivals, community-based tourism promotions and stronger digital marketing campaigns.
He said the government would also continue supporting ethnic organisations in preserving and promoting their respective customs, arts and cultural heritage.
More photos
Bajau performers present the traditional mengalai dance during the Tawau International Cultural Festival 2026.
Sabah’s cultural diversity is a source of strength and a symbol of unity among its multi-ethnic communities.
The festival provides ethnic communities with a platform to promote their traditions and ensure they are not lost to time.
