04Mar

Kalimaran Fest finally fixed for every March 31

KOTA KINABALU: Pesta Kalimaran of the Muruts will be included in the Sabah calendar with the date fixed on March 31, instead of being celebrated on different dates without consistency. The festival’s Main Committee Organising Chairman Datuk Peter Anthony said it is timely for such recognition. “We found that since the Murut festival was organised in 2003, it has not been managed in a consistent manner where there is no fixed date to celebrate the festival. In the past, it was celebrated in April, or March and even in October. “The present State government is serious in upholding the dignity of all races and their respective celebrations by giving full commitment in the conservation aspect of cultural art and traditions. “This has been done with Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival, Hari Raya celebration and Chinese New Year, thus, we need also to empower Pesta Kalimaran to respect the Murut ethnic group in Sabah and giving due recognition of the festival to be celebrated every March 31,” he said. Speaking after chairing the Pesta Kalimaran main committee meeting at JKR headquarters here, Peter who is also the Infrastructure Minister said the 16th celebration of the festival would begin on March 26 until March 31 at the Tenom Murut Cultural Centre.  He said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal would officiate the closing ceremony on March 31 at 1pm while the opening would be officiated by himself on March 26 at 2.30pm. “The six-day Pesta Kalimatan celebration would be joined and participated by 10 sub-ethnic Murut in various activities planned for the festival. “This festival would be celebrated in a moderate manner due to State’s funding constraints. “However, it is expected to attract about 10,000 visitors, including luring tourists to go to the interior part of Sabah in Tenom. “I have asked the management committee to take out several sport events that are seen as not suitable and focus on events and activities that reflect Murut culture and tradition,” he said. Peter who is also Melalap Assemblyman, advised visitors who wish to stay several days for the Pesta Kalimaran in Tenom to make early reservations. For more information on accommodation, they can contact the secretariat at Sabah Cultural Board at 088-258762. Source: Daily Express
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10Apr

Rubin says Kalimaran is continuing a tradition

Tenom: Persatuan Murut Sabah (PMS) President Datuk Rubin Balang said the Pesta Kalimaran is a continuation of the Injawari celebrated by the Murut ethnic community, a celebration inherited from their ancestors. Rubin said Injawari is a celebration of customs and culture, annually celebrated during the colonial times. The celebration remains lively and vibrant despite not receiving funds from the British government to conduct the celebration. "Today, we continue to celebrate this event with upgraded features, including changing its identity while still maintaining its concept to preserve the customary treasures and cultures of the Muruts. "Pesta Kalimaran is not only celebrated to preserve our customs and culture…but is also a tourism product whereby the festival has been in the State's annual celebration calendar for the past 11 years," he said. Earlier, Rubin said Pesta Kalimaran is held at district levels dominated by the Murut community before being held at State-level. Rubin, who is Tenom Umno Chief and Tenom Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman, said he is grateful and thank BN leadership Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman for the constant support of the celebration. "This time around, we spent RM1 million for the Pesta Kalimaran, in which RM500,000 is for the cost of the celebration, while RM500,000 for the filling of activities and does not include the RM300,000 approved by Musa," he said. He said this when welcoming Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to officiate the State-level Pesta Kalimaran here, attended by over 5,000 people. On that note, Rubin urged the people remain united and foster close ties to ensure a harmonious and peaceful environment. "We have close relationship with the Federal Government…in fact we will support BN government for the sustainability of our development because our area, especially in Rundum and Kapulu is in dire need of proper roads. "So far, RM3.6 million for the construction and upgrading of roads at Rundum is currently being done by appointed contractors…while the road between Kapulu and Sumambu which will cost about RM400,000 is underway and in the process of appointing a contractor to implement it," he said. In addition, Rubin also supported the memorandum delivered by the Tenom Chinese Chamber of Commerce to the Deputy Prime Minister at the Tenom Umno Office on Monday, for a new road linking Beaufort to be constructed. This was to reduce traffic congestion and risk of accidents along the hilly stretch from Jalan Kimanis to Keningau. - Mail Mathew Source: Daily Express
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