Bojumbak Fest recognition

Tuaran: The Bojumbak Festival will be included in the tourism calendar to showcase the cultural tradition of the Suang Lotud community, said Sulaman Assemblyman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

The Suang Lotud who are only found in this district, according to Hajiji who is also Local Government and Housing Minister, should be given the same opportunity as other ethnics to promote their culture.

“The uniqueness of the ethnic traditional music in the state should be expanded and promoted widely in a bigger scale to protect the heritage.

“Culture is a precious treasure that should be protected. Hence, the government has always contribute help for the ethnic sustainability in the state.

“As a state which is rich with various ethnics, we should respect and be sensitive among the races,” he said when officiating the Komulakan Hall and the District Level Semarak Komuniti 1Malaysia programme, at the Linangkit Cultural Village (LCV), here, on Sunday.

Hajiji added, the government will continue to support the effort of Suang Lotud leaders in upholding Suang Lotud’s culture and heritage through the building of a floating hall.

The hall, he explained, can be the best platform not only to showcase culture and arts but also a catalyst for harmony among the people.

“We hoped the Suang Lotud community will have a bigger space to conduct their activities with this big hall to uplift and promote culture,” he added.

Meanwhile, he would also forward the proposal of having a special radio slot for the broadcast in Lotud language to ensure the language will be safeguarded, especially for the young generation.

He also commended the smart partnership between LCV and the Information Department in conducting the programme jointly which is in line with the government’s policy through the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS).

During the ceremony, Hajiji presented the prizes for Surian Group from Kg Pogun Lawid Tutu which emerged as champion in the Bojumbak Competition.

K1M from Kg Bantayan Damat and Setia Lamin from Kg Tambalugu won first runner-up and third place, respectively.

Also present were Permanent Secretary to the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry Datuk Ginun Yangus, State Information Director Datuk Almain Ajirul, District Officer AM Ibnu AK Baba and Komulakan Lotud Sabah Association (Klosa) President Peter Lintan.

Source: Daily Express