THE State Government has approved a RM2 million allocation for upgrading works on the Sabah Murut Cultural Centre in Tenom, to further optimise the district’s tourism attractions.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the upgrading works involved three main components – the construction of a Tree House, a grave replica and a House of Skulls.
“The project will add more tourist attractions at the Sabah Murut Cultural Centre and further represent the Murut community’s traditions and culture,” he said when launching the Kalimaran Festival at the Sabah Murut Cultural Centre on Mar 11.
The State Government, he added, appreciated the importance of various ethnic cultures and arts-based celebrations such as the Kalimaran Festival, which is an annual cultural celebration for the Murut community.
“It will go a long way to assist in the promotion, preservation and uplifting of the culture and arts of the various ethnics in Sabah,” he said.
Hajiji said the Kalimaran Festival has further potential to become a celebration to showcase the richness and uniqueness of the Murut community’s culture, arts and tradition to the whole country and beyond.
“While Sabah is already well known as an eco-tourism destination, cultural tourism must also be given priority.
“The diversity and uniqueness of the tradition, as well as cultural arts of the 35 ethnic and 217 sub-ethnic groups in Sabah, is a strength that can be capitalised on in our culture tourism,” he stressed.
Towards this end, he said, the State has underlined seven priorities – digitalisation of the cultural arts or eCulture; integrated culture tourism; culture preservation; strengthening ethnic relations; research and documenting culture; cultural arts propagation; and culture intellectual property protection.
These priorities were in line with the initiative contained in the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan under the purview of the Sabah Cultural Board which will allow cultural posterity.
Also present were Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin Alfred, State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, Kemabong Assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang who is also the Kalimaran Festival main organising chairman, assistant ministers, elected representatives and local community leaders.
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