Cross-culture between Sabah and China on film

KOTA KINABALU: The Tagal system of preserving the rivers and protecting fish stocks for the benefit of villagers has caught the attention of a Chinese television network.

A five-member crew from Nanning Television were here to film this unique traditional practice at Kampung Kitapol in Kiulu on Monday.

The crew, who were here to make a documentary on cross-culture between Sabah and China, were brought to the village by Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili to see how the Tagal system works.

When the Tagal system is implemented, fishing is banned for a certain period but was temporarily lifted for television crew to see how the local villagers catch fish.

Nanning Television executive vice-general ZhengMin Yong, who led the crew, said they were really impressed with the Tagal system of preserving the environment and eco-system which was participated by the entire village.

“Such a system of preserving the river used to exist in some rural parts of China but this is no longer practised.

“Fishing is a very commercialised activity in China nowadays, and it is refreshing to know that such system still exists here.

“The people in Nanning regard their city as being the greenest in China and they appreciate such green initiatives.

“I think we can relearn this method from Sabah and we have much to share with each other,” said ZhengMin who also enjoyed a dip in the cold, fresh river water with his group.

The station plans to feature the Tagal system in a special news report.

The crew had also filmed the Kaamatan Festival during the two-day celebrations over the weekend at Hongkod Koisaan, Penampang, for a documentary to show the likeness between the culture of the Kadazandusun people and a minority tribe in southern China.

“We are amazed by the similarities between the culture of the Kadazandusun people and a minority tribe in southern China especially in terms of food, traditional costumes, songs and dances. We enjoyed the festival which was very colourful with a lot of merriment and observation of old customs and tradition.

“Our four days in Sabah were enjoyable and eye-opening. We learned new things, enjoyed cultural exchanges and forged new friendships.

“We hope to strengthen the relationship between both our countries through more joint productions and cultural exchanges,” he said.

Source: The Star