Kota Kinabalu: The Rumpun Bajau Sama Sabah Cultural Festival 2025 from Aug 7 to 10 promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture and unity.
Bajau Sama Sabah Association Vice President Datuk Japlin Akim said the festival, to be held at the Bajau Sama Cultural Centre in Kampung Lok Batik, Tuaran, aims to serve as a platform to empower heritage preservation while strengthening unity among Sabah’s diverse communities.
“This festival will showcase the richness of Bajau Sama culture, customs and traditions. It is also in line with efforts to promote local heritage at the international level,” he said.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});The event is expected to be officiated by the Head Of State and attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor.
A host of activities are lined up, including traditional craft exhibitions and sales, the Ratu Serimpak pageant, heritage food showcases, Bertitik drumming contests, digital food photography competitions, community engagement programmes and cultural workshops.
Japlin said the festival is supported by various government agencies to ensure inclusive participation regardless of race, religion, or political background.
In conjunction with the event, the Cita Rasa Warisan @Sabah 2025 festival — organised by the National Heritage Department under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), with the Sabah State Government — will also be held.
“One of the highlights is live demonstrations of traditional dishes by renowned chefs,” he said.
Japlin said the festival is open to all Malaysians and provides a valuable opportunity to learn, experience and respect each other’s cultures, fostering greater understanding and national unity through shared heritage.
He urged the public, especially youths, to participate and deepen their knowledge of Bajau Sama traditions. “We welcome visitors from across the country to join in and experience this meaningful event.”
