Tagal no longer practised in China

Kota Kinabalu: The Tagal system of preserving the rivers and protecting fish stocks for the benefit of the villages has caught the attention of a China television network.

The five-member crew from Nanning Television were here to film this unique traditional practice at Kg Kitapol in Kiulu on Monday. The crew, who are 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 Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili to see how the Tagal system works.

When the Tagal system is implemented, fishing is banned for a determined period. To demonstrate to the group, the ban was temporarily lifted and locals caught fishes such as Pelian.

Nanning Television Executive Vice-General Zheng Min Yong, who led the crew, said they were really impressed with the Tagal system of preserving the environment and eco-system which is participated by the entire village.

“Such a system of preserving the river used to exist in some rural parts of China but no longer practised. Fishing is very commercialised in China nowadays, and it is refreshing to know 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 documentary as well as in a special news report.

Also there was Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board Chairman. He said the initiative by the Nanning Television crew to highlight the Tagal system would go a long way to make Kiulu’s natural beauty known among the Chinese.

“Sabah Tourism Board has chosen Kiulu as a model for rural tourism development, taking into account the numerous attractions there, including what Kg Kitapol has to offer.

“The board has formed a Rural Tourism Development Committee to, among others, identify and list down all potential tourist attractions in all the districts and draw up a plan to promote and market them. All district tourism action committees have been reactivated as part of a concerted effort to fully tap the potential of rural tourism,” he said.

Meanwhile, 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 similarities 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 learn new things, enjoy cultural exchange and forged new friendships. We hope to strengthen relationship between both our countries through more joint productions and cultural exchanges.

“We wish a Happy Harvest Festival to all Sabahans and may the unity among the people of various cultures and races which is so evident in Sabah, remain a permanent feature for its people,” ZhengMin added.

The group, who arrived in Kota Kinabalu on May 30, flew back Tuesday.

Source: Daily Express