Kiulu villagers unite for joint Hari Raya–Easter celebration, showcasing true harmony

21 Apr 2025 • 2:12 PM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

Daily Express Online (Malaysia) is Sabah's top-ranked & most viewed English news site. It is also Sabah's leading & most circulated daily English newspaper.

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By: Sabah Publishing House Sdn Bhd

KIULU: The people of Kampung Parad have set a powerful example of unity and mutual respect by celebrating Hari Raya and Easter together over the weekend.

Officiating the event, Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai praised the villagers' togetherness and suggested a “harmony festival” be held annually to celebrate the community’s religious and cultural diversity.

“Our people live peacefully regardless of faith, and that is something tourists seek—authentic experiences rooted in community and mutual respect,” said Joniston, who is also Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.

He added that Kiulu offers more than scenic beauty—it reflects how harmony is practiced in daily life, shaping empathetic and respectful future generations.

“Rejecting extremism and embracing peace is not just an idea here—it’s lived reality,” he said, noting that this spirit could strengthen rural tourism and serve as an inspiration beyond Sabah.