Sabah allocates RM13.66 mil to boost cultural heritage and tourism
Published on: Sun, Aug 03, 2025 Text Size: Head of State Tun Musa Aman flanked by Datuk Ariffin Arif (left) and Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan (second right) at the opening of the FKAT KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has allocated RM13.66 million this year to preserve its cultural and arts heritage, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the Tawau International Cultural Festival (FKAT). He said the State Government will continue to strengthen preservation efforts to boost tourism, with positive spillover effects for the local economy. Hajiji noted that festivals like FKAT benefit a wide range of people, including entrepreneurs, homestay operators, artists, and small traders. They also serve to educate the younger generation on the value of safeguarding the state's cultural treasures. He highlighted the RM27 million Tawau International Cultural Centre (TICC), scheduled for completion in December 2027, which will become a hub for arts and heritage. Once completed, it will elevate Tawau as a competitive international cultural centre. With the theme 'Cultural Diversity: Warriors, Handicrafts, and Marriage,' FKAT celebrates Sabah's multiracial society and serves as a platform for cultural exchange, featuring participants from Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Hajiji said the festival not only promotes cultural exhibitions but also strengthens unity, fosters respect for heritage, and enhances Tawau's role as a border town rich in cultural networks and regional cooperation. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
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Daily Express
21 hours ago
- Daily Express
RM13.66 million to safeguard Sabah's culture, arts
Published on: Monday, August 04, 2025 Published on: Mon, Aug 04, 2025 By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Musa (second left) officiating the launch of the event. TAWAU: The State Government has allocated RM13.66 million this year to safeguard Sabah's cultural and artistic heritage while boosting its tourism industry, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Speaking at the launch of the 10th Tawau International Cultural Festival (FKAT) at the Tawau Municipal Council Square on Saturday, Hajiji pointed out the government's commitment to enhancing cultural preservation efforts to strengthen the tourism sector. The festival, which featured the theme Cultural Diversity: Heroes, Handicrafts and Weddings, was officially opened by Head of State Tun Musa Aman, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin. The ceremony recalled memories of the 2014 edition when Musa served as Chief Minister. Hajiji is confident that the festival would impact local tourism and economic growth, noting that both domestic and international visitors contribute to the livelihoods of entrepreneurs, homestay operators, artists and small traders. 'This influx of tourists not only helps visitors discover our cultural treasures but also provides economic benefits to all those indirectly involved, contributing to local community economic growth,' said Hajiji who was represented by State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif. Hajiji noted the festival's role in educating younger generations about preserving ancestral cultural heritage. He also expressed optimism about the upcoming Tawau International Cultural Centre (TICC), scheduled for completion in December 2027, which will serve as a cultural hub showcasing diverse ethnic arts and heritage. This year's festival featured participants from Kazakhstan, Indonesia and the Philippines, reinforcing Tawau's position as a border city rich in cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation while promoting racial unity and cultural appreciation. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Sabah allocates RM13.66 mil to boost cultural heritage and tourism
Published on: Sunday, August 03, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 03, 2025 Text Size: Head of State Tun Musa Aman flanked by Datuk Ariffin Arif (left) and Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan (second right) at the opening of the FKAT KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has allocated RM13.66 million this year to preserve its cultural and arts heritage, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the Tawau International Cultural Festival (FKAT). He said the State Government will continue to strengthen preservation efforts to boost tourism, with positive spillover effects for the local economy. Hajiji noted that festivals like FKAT benefit a wide range of people, including entrepreneurs, homestay operators, artists, and small traders. They also serve to educate the younger generation on the value of safeguarding the state's cultural treasures. He highlighted the RM27 million Tawau International Cultural Centre (TICC), scheduled for completion in December 2027, which will become a hub for arts and heritage. Once completed, it will elevate Tawau as a competitive international cultural centre. With the theme 'Cultural Diversity: Warriors, Handicrafts, and Marriage,' FKAT celebrates Sabah's multiracial society and serves as a platform for cultural exchange, featuring participants from Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Hajiji said the festival not only promotes cultural exhibitions but also strengthens unity, fosters respect for heritage, and enhances Tawau's role as a border town rich in cultural networks and regional cooperation. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
RM13.66 million for preservation of Sabah cultural and arts heritage
Tun Musa Aman flanked by Datuk Ariffin Arif (left) and Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan (second right) at the opening of the FKAT. TAWAU (Aug 2): The State Government has allocated RM13.66 million for this year to ensure Sabah's cultural and arts heritage continues to be preserved, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 'The State Government will continue to intensify efforts to improve the preservation of cultural heritage to further drive and strengthen the tourism industry in the state,' he said at the Tawau International Cultural Festival (FKAT). State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Haji Mohd Arifin Datuk Haji Mohd Arif delivered his speech. Held at the Tawau Municipal Council Square on Saturday night, the event was graced by Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin. 'I am confident that this festival will be one of those that brings significant impact to the tourism sector and the local economy. The influx of domestic and international tourists during this festival is not only an opportunity to appreciate our cultural treasures but also brings economic spillovers to all indirectly involved. 'They include entrepreneurs, homestay operators, artists and small traders, thereby contributing to the economic growth of the local community. 'This festival also serves as the medium to educate the younger generation about the importance of protecting and valuing our priceless cultural heritage,' he said. The Chief Minister said that the construction of the Tawau International Cultural Centre (TICC), scheduled for completion in December 2027, will undoubtedly become a cultural hub and a key stage for the convergence of various ethnicities' arts and heritage once completed. 'This will, in turn, elevate Tawau as a competitive international cultural centre,' he said. In line with the theme 'Cultural Diversity: Warriors, Handicrafts and Marriage,' the FKAT is a manifestation of the beauty and uniqueness of Sabah's multiracial society, he said. The Chief Minister said this festival is not only a space for cultural exhibition but it is also a platform for interaction between communities from various backgrounds, including participants from Kazakhstan, Indonesia and the Philippines. 'It further strengthens Tawau's role as a border town rich in cultural networks and regional cooperation. 'Therefore, this festival serves as a platform to strengthen interracial unity, raise awareness of cultural diversity, and foster respect and appreciation for the heritage of our ancestors,' he said.
