Tenom: The Kalimaran Festival remains an important platform to preserve and promote Murut customs, arts and cultural heritage to younger generations and the public.
Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang said the festival was not merely a cultural event but also helped strengthen relationships, understanding and unity among Sabah’s various ethnic communities.
He said the participation of the Lundayeh community in jointly organising the festival since 2025 had added a new dimension to the celebration by highlighting the customs, handicrafts and traditional heritage of both communities.
Rubin said the festival originated from an old Murut tradition known as Injawari or Panawari, which was a major gathering of the community before independence.
He said the festival was later renamed Kalimaran following several discussions and a decision by the Sabah Murut Association (PMS) Supreme Council, taking into account changing times and the need to unite the Murut community.
“The renaming also aims to encourage the younger generation to work harder, become more competitive and strive for progress without forgetting their identity and cultural heritage,” he said.
Rubin, who is also Kemabong Assemblyman and PMS president, was speaking at the 20th Sabah-level Kalimaran Festival 2026 at Dewan Datuk Seri Panglima Antenom here on Saturday.
He said this year’s theme, “Migogondo Jumalai Sumingkot”, meaning “United in Progress and Development”, reflected the aspiration to build a united, progressive and competitive society.
He said progress and prosperity could not be achieved alone, but required cooperation and collective commitment from the community. Rubin also described the festival as a potential driver of tourism and economic growth for local communities.
He said the cultural uniqueness, ethnic diversity and traditional heritage showcased at the festival could attract local and foreign tourists interested in learning about Murut culture and Sabah’s cultural diversity.
