Kota Kinabalu: Sabah can become a tourist destination for religious pilgrimages, said Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (Kuskop) Datuk Ewon Benedick.
“Sabah has many mosques, churches and temples…So why not develop this, to teach others that unity begins from tolerance and respect amongst differing culture and faiths.
Advertisement“I believe this can be applied in Sabah, making it a new strength. If it can be done, agencies under Kuskop are ready to give financial support to the tourism sector.
“These packages (religious pilgrimage) should be further looked into by the Tourism Ministry. Tourists can now come for more than Sabah’s natural beauty.
SPONSORED CONTENT How Spritzer’s silica rich natural mineral water makes your skin healthier When it comes to skincare, the first thought on our minds would be beauty products such as serums, creams, and masks. However, beauty experts and even researchers have stated that drinking more water can be just as crucial for your skin's health. Read more “This should also be included in the Visit Malaysia or Visit Sabah promotions. Kuskop already has the funds to support those under the JEJAK Koperasi program for instance, giving a chance for tourism players generate income,” he said, at the Sri Subramaniar temple in Lok Kawi on the occasion of Thaipusam, Tuesday.
The Penampang MP contributed RM30,000 to the temple last year while RM150,000 was channelled from the Prime Minister’s Office based on request.
AdvertisementHe said he would continue to assist the temple saying he is appreciative of Indians and Hindu devotees in Sabah as they played a big role in the country’s development, unity and religious harmony.
“There were also Malaysian Indians involved in the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Their roles should continue with all other ethnics.
Advertisement“Malaysia was built by all these races and that responsibility continues. To those who haven’t realised it yet, we need to learn respect and sensitivity so that we establish cooperation and may focus on building the country,” he said. A Kavadi bearer with piercings
Sri Subramaniar Deputy Chairman, Dr Barati Devi, said this year’s Thaipusam turnout was very encouraging with some 800 people present.
She said puja rituals carried out for 10 days leading to the celebrations has seen at least 80 people participating peaking to 300 devotees on the day before Thaipusam.
“It’s a larger crowd this year compared to the previous. Pre-Covid, we had up to 600 devotees and visitors. Last year, the paal kudam (milk offerings) were carried by only 60 people, this year it’s up to 100.
“Today there were five kavadi bearers, one with skin piercing and including a karumbu kavadi.
She explained that a couple had paraded their child from sugar canes after their prayers to Lord Murugan for a descendant were answered. As of noon, men were still seen shaving their heads in an act of sacrifice.
She hoped more Hindus in Sabah would join, at least in the community programs, noting that they have held three gotong royongs.
As many members are just working in Sabah, she said it feels good to be connected and bonding with each other.
“The young people, too, are slowly regaining interest in spirituality as they are getting into bharatanatyam (religious dance), UMS students have made kolams, while others are learning pujas.
“I urge the youth to just come as the temple’s doors are always open and we will provide the necessities. Religion should be learned with and open heart and not forced.
The best way to do it is in groups,” she said.
