TAWAU: The Tawau International Cultural Festival (FKAT), which has already been included in the Sabah Tourism Calendar since last year, is now aiming to secure a spot in the Malaysian Tourism Calendar.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, expressed hope that the objective would be realised in line with next year’s Visit Malaysia Year campaign to attract a larger influx of tourists to the district.
More than just a celebration of cultural richness, the festival also aims to strengthen racial unity and promote Tawau as a unique international tourism destination.
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 festival, said Nizam, features cultural performances, parades, traditional cuisine, ethnic community booths, handicraft products and more — all presented in the spirit of unity and togetherness.
“We have asked the Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) President to submit this application to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac),” he said.
Nizam is confident the goal is achievable, given that FKAT offers a unique showcase of cultural diversity, while Tawau itself is rapidly developing its infrastructure, including plans to expand the capacity of Tawau Airport.
Meanwhile, the festival is expected to draw up to 50,000 visitors.
Officially kicked off on July 26, the festival will be officially launched by Head of State Tun Musa Aman during the grand finale on Aug 2 (Saturday) at the Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) compound.
Nizam said this year’s festival, themed “Cultural Diversity,” will highlight the elements of heroism, traditional weddings and handicrafts of the Tawau community.
“A total of 30 ethnic communities from Tawau are taking part this year, alongside special appearances by three invited international delegations from Indonesia, the Philippines and Kazakhstan,” he said.
Nizam, who also serves as the FKAT 2025 Committee Advisor, believes the festival — held annually since 2011 — is a significant platform to promote Tawau as a destination rich in cultural diversity.
“We hope this festival will further strengthen inter-racial ties, as showcased through joint cultural performances and exhibitions,” he said.
He added that the festival not only showcases unity and strong ties among the district’s ethnic communities, but also highlights the uniqueness of their various traditions.
According to him, FKAT’s theme was chosen with the belief that cultural differences should not divide, but rather serve as a bridge connecting all races as one big family.
“We are optimistic that the festival will help broaden knowledge of other cultures and strengthen bonds among people from diverse backgrounds — both locally and internationally,” he said.
He expressed confidence in MPT’s initiative to host FKAT as a key programme for Tawau, especially with the strong support shown by the State Government.
“We hope the community will continue to preserve their respective cultures and embrace such efforts as a form of unity in diversity — bringing us together, not apart,” he said.
