Tenom: The 20th Ilau Kalimaran 2026, scheduled to take place here on Oct 31, will showcase the rich cultural diversity of the Murut community through 29 tribal procession contingents and an exhibition featuring 10 traditional huts.
The festival is expected to serve as a major platform for introducing the uniqueness of Murut customs, culture and heritage to the public, particularly the younger generation.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is scheduled to officiate the opening of the festival.
The 20th Ilau Kalimaran Deputy Chairman Zakharia Jamal (pic) said the event played an important role in promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Murut community for future generations.
Speaking after the opening rehearsal ceremony, he said the participation of contingents representing various Murut sub-tribes, together with the traditional hut displays, would give visitors a closer look at the community’s cultural diversity and identity.
He said efforts to preserve the heritage of their ancestors must continue to ensure that Murut customs, cultural arts and traditions were not forgotten, but remained a source of pride for future generations.
The organisation of the 20th Ilau Kalimaran is also expected to strengthen unity among communities from different Murut sub-tribes while raising awareness of the importance of safeguarding local cultural heritage.
Beyond heritage preservation, the celebration could also help promote Murut culture as a tourism attraction in Tenom and Sabah’s Interior region, introducing the uniqueness of local traditions to visitors from within and outside the State.