KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Christina Liew, has proposed the inclusion of weekly multi-ethnic cultural shows as part of the popular Sunday Gaya Street Fair. Liew aims to attract more tourists by showcasing the traditional culture of the diverse races and indigenous ethnic groups in Sabah at Lintasan Deasoka in Gaya Street.
Liew stated that she had requested Mayor Datuk Noorliza Awang Ali to collaborate with the Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS) to organize regular cultural shows. She also suggested the construction of a semi-permanent structure near Lintasan Deasoka to accommodate these performances.
“All ethnic communities, including Kadazandusun, Murut, and Chinese, are welcome to present their traditional dances,” added Liew, who is also the Api-Api assemblyman. She emphasized that Sabah’s rich cultural heritage, with its 34 indigenous ethnic groups, is a significant attraction for foreigners visiting Malaysia.
Liew stated, “Sabah offers a wide range of beautiful and attractive places to visit, such as Mount Kinabalu, island resorts, and diving spots. Our diverse ethnicity is another valuable asset for the state, generating revenue through tourism, arts, and cultural activities. We must preserve this unique heritage for future generations.”
A visiting Spanish couple, Victor and Fiorella from Barcelona, expressed their excitement at witnessing the variety of traditional dances, including Manuk Manuk Lambukun, performed at the launch of the PRBSS Arts and Culture Performances Programme. Fiorella, who is on a two-week holiday to climb Mount Kinabalu and enjoy a Kinabatangan River cruise, commented, “These performances are very different from what we see in our country.”
Credit: The Star : News Feed
