TAWAU: The Tawau International Cultural Festival is more than just a showcase of colourful costumes and lively performances – it is also a means of preserving Sabah’s rich cultural heritage for future generations, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Sabah Chief Minister said the annual event, now in its 11th year, has grown into an important platform for the state’s ethnic communities 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 at the festival here on Saturday.
Hajiji said such annual cultural events should be sustained as they provide opportunities for Sabah’s diverse communities to introduce their heritage to younger generations and visitors.
“I want cultural festivals such as this to continue 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 is also a strength that unites 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 added.
A total of 32 ethnic groups from Sabah participated in the festival, bringing generations-old traditions to the stage by showcasing wedding customs, warrior traditions and local handicrafts.
The festival, held from July 25 to Aug 1, also featured participants from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Cambodia.
On the participation of overseas delegations, Hajiji said it strengthens Tawau’s role as a border town with strong links in cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation.
He said the festival also helps position the district as a vibrant cultural tourism destination capable of attracting both local and international visitors.
Hajiji noted that the festival also benefits local entrepreneurs, homestay operators, artists and small traders.
He also assured that the state government 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 added.
He also said the government would continue supporting ethnic organisations in preserving and promoting their respective customs, arts and cultural heritage.
