Latest news with #Kadazan-Dusun
The Star
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Kadazan-Dusun deaf artist promotes Sabah's rich heritage through art
Deaf painter Rosemary Yvonne Marcus, 44, is proud of her Sabahan heritage, and she wants to celebrate its rich culture through art. 'What I love most about Sabah is how everything comes together - the rich culture, the warmth of the people and the strong unity spirit despite our differences. In Sabah, people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds live side by side in peace. Rosemary's painting of the Dusun Liwan costume captures its elegance - a black velvet ensemble adorned with gold trimmings and intricate beadwork. 'We celebrate each other's traditions, hence there's a deep sense of respect and harmony. This makes Sabah truly special,' says Rosemary in an email interview from her hometown, Telupid, a four-hour drive from the state capital, Kota Kinabalu. As an artist, the Kadazan-Dusun woman finds endless inspiration in the colours of Sabahan festivals, the stories of their ancestors and the everyday kindness of Sabahans. Most of her artwork highlights traditional Sabahan costumes from communities such as the Kadazan, Kadazan-Dusun, Dusun-Tindal, Rungus and Orang Sungai. 'Traditional Sabahan costumes are not just beautiful, they carry deep meanings, stories and identity. I choose to focus on them because they represent who we are as a people. Each costume tells a unique story about a community's heritage, values and creativity. 'By painting them, I hope to share these stories with others and inspire younger generations to appreciate and continue our legacy.' Besides traditional costumes, some of the key themes in her artwork include Sabah's natural beauty, village life, childhood memories and the journey of people with disabilities. 'I love to paint meaningful moments, children playing or running around, a quiet morning in the village or someone chasing their dreams despite challenges. These themes are close to my heart and reflect my own experiences growing up in Telupid. Through my art, I want to tell stories that are often overlooked but deep and powerful. 'Growing up in Telupid gave me a deep appreciation for the beauty of my surroundings. The forests, rivers and the simplicity of village life shaped how I see the world. I often draw inspiration from nature, local culture and the strong community spirit around me. 'Because I cannot hear or speak, painting has always been my way of connecting with the world. I express emotions and stories through colours and details,' says Rosemary, the second of six siblings. Artistic touch Rosemary was born normal but lost her ability to hear after being scalded with hot water at 18 months old. From what she understands, she was playing in the kitchen with her older brother when the accident happened. He had tripped over the kettle's wire, causing boiling water to spill onto her body. She suffered from 70% burns. Her hearing and speech impairments were due to wrong medication during her treatment. Through art, she also wants communities to know that persons with disabilities are just as capable of dreaming, creating and achieving as anyone else. A big fan of Japanese manga and anime, Rosemary blends pop culture influences with local themes in her artwork. 'We don't need pity, we need understanding, opportunity and support. Every person has unique strengths and disabilities should never define our worth or limit our potential. I hope through my work, people see beyond my disability and into the soul of who I truly am, a proud Sabahan artist with dreams like everyone else.' Though she never attended formal art classes beyond school, Rosemary's passion for drawing began with basic lessons in primary and secondary school that grew into a serious hobby at 13, fuelled by hours of self-learning through YouTube, Facebook and online tutorials. 'When I was 20, my younger sister Anna submitted my artwork to Kreko, a Bahasa Malaysia news magazine on Japanese comics. It was an unforgettable moment when I saw my art published for the first time. That gave me confidence to keep going and improving.' Rosemary works with various mediums including acrylic, watercolour, oil paint, crayons, coloured pencils and fountain pens. Rosemary is a big fan of anime, and its influence is evident in her artwork. She admires how anime uses colour, emotion and scenery to tell powerful stories. 'Some of my favourites include Sailor Moo n, Rurouni Kenshin , Neon Genesis Evangelion , Inuyasha , Oh My Goddess! and Cardcaptor Sakura . I'm especially drawn to how anime expresses feelings without relying on many words - something I connect with as someone with hearing and speech disabilities.' Anime nurtured her sense of visual storytelling, showing her that art can speak louder than words, and that every detail - from the sky to the landscape - matters. Painting a path Rosemary wishes that more people can understand that living with hearing and speech impairments doesn't mean being disconnected from the world. Rosemary's artwork, Tawai, captures the awe and wonder of the majestic Tawai Waterfalls in Kinabatangan, Sabah. 'We still feel, think and express, just in different ways. Sometimes, people assume we don't understand or can't communicate, but that's not true. With patience, empathy and inclusivity, we can all connect meaningfully. 'A little effort to use sign language or write things down can make a big difference. What we need most is respect and a chance to be seen, heard and included,' says Rosemary, who received a consolation prize in the 2022 Setia Karya Hotel Art Competition organised by SP Setia. In 2023, Rosemary secured the fifth spot at the 10th International Abilympics in Metz, France. The Abilympics, derived from the term Olympics of Abilities, is an international skill-based competition for Persons with Disabilities. Like the Olympics, the Abilympics is held once every four years. The Malaysian Council for Rehabilitation (MCR) coordinates the Abilympics competition in Malaysia, selecting qualified participants with disabilities to represent the country in international competitions. Rosemary also made headlines in 2023 when she presented a wedding portrait to Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah during their Kembara Kenali Borneo visit to her hometown, Telupid. Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah receiving their wedding portrait from Rosemary (front row, left) in 2023. — Bernama She also painted the royal couple against the backdrop of Imbak Waterfalls, one of Telupid's most iconic natural landmarks located in the Imbak Canyon Conservation Area. 'I felt overwhelmed and happy after presenting the portraits to Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah,' Rosemary says. 'Out of the many beautiful sceneries in Telupid, I chose to highlight Imbak Waterfalls because of its striking cascading water flow.' It is her hope to create more artwork that inspire young artists, especially those with disabilities, to be confident and proud of what they can do. 'I want to travel, learn new techniques and connect with other artists around the world. Most of all, I dream of using my art as a voice, to speak not only for myself but for others who may not be heard and to show that disability is not a limitation but a different way of seeing the world,' says Rosemary, who dreams of owning an art gallery to showcase her artworks and share stories about Sabah's culture, nature and people.
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Sabahan celebration of family values marks start of MIFFest 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: "Ninavau", a heart-warming, 90-minute family drama that showcases Kadazan-Dusun culture and highlights indigenous family life in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, heralded the start of the week-long 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) yesterday. Directed by Sabahan Bebbra Mailin, who is marking her big screen debut, "Ninavau" tells the story of a young woman who studied in Kuala Lumpur and returns to her hometown Kota Kinabalu, with a "secret" that her widowed father Edward and feisty younger sister Elvira struggle to accept. To complicate matters, Edward has been scammed into parting with a six-figure sum of money, and Elvira is preparing for a marriage that she is not ready for. At the launch of the festival in MyTown Mall, Cheras yesterday, Bebbra said that "Ninavau" not only showcased the customs and culture of indigenous Sabahans, but also highlighted their interactions with their friends from Peninsular Malaysia, and the "hiccups" that had to be navigated. "Most of our actors and actresses are newcomers, but they were very dedicated to bringing each of their characters to life. The story of our heroine, Ninavau, and her family members is rooted in reality," she said. The main actress Jovinea Jim said that she could identify with Ninavau, as she had encountered somewhat similar experiences as the character. "The story is told from her point of view, but each major character is well-developed and speaks directly to the audience. Here's a story that's close to Malaysians' hearts and can be appreciated by everyone," she said. Besides Jovinea, "Ninavau" also stars Edward Sinsong as the protagonist's father and Tati Eliana Tonny as her sister. MIFFest's founder Joanne Goh said that this year's festival, with the theme "Infinity," continued its predecessors' mission of championing homegrown storytelling and embracing international co-productions. She said: "MIFFest also partners with the 25th European Union Film Festival to present 15 European titles. The "MIFFest x EUFF" opens with Czech drama "Year of the Widow" and features Denmark's "The Girl with the Needle" and Ukraine's "Taste of Freedom." Goh added that MIFFest highlights six Southeast Asian movies, including Vietnam's "Cu Li Never Cries" and Singapore's "Stranger Eyes." "It has 62 films from 48 countries," she said, adding that 38 Malaysian films are in the event. The festival honours Hong Kong action hero Thomas Tam, or Ti Lung, with a lifetime achievement award. The 78-year-old star will receive the honour at the Malaysia Golden Global Awards ceremony at Zepp KL, on July 26. "MIFFest celebrates Indian movie legend Raj Kapoor's centenary with screenings of "Awara" and "Bobby"," said Goh. She added that MIFFest was honouring Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian, who will receive the Award for Excellent Achievement in Film. He is in the festival's jury panel alongside British filmmaker Asif Kapadia, Malaysian actress Diana Danielle, Hong Kong actress Jennifer Yu, and Indian filmmaker Rima Das. Goh said that the competition features nine movies, with Palestinian drama "All That's Left of You" by Cherien Dabis leading the race with seven nominations. Goh said: "Since our establishment in 2016, we have offered a wide range of opportunities and platforms for filmmakers to showcase their work. "MIFFest offers audiences a chance to embark on a cinematic journey through films from diverse cultures. We aspire to be a space where global and local voices unite." This year, singer-songwriter and actress Daiyan Trisha, actress Siti Saleha Baharom, and actor Bront Palarae serve as MIFFest ambassadors, while United States-based Malaysian filmmaker Rachel Tan is promoting her new romantic comedy, partly set in Kuala Lumpur, "Worth the Wait".
New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Marsha passionate about amplifying indigenous Borneo sound
SHE may not have been the top winner of a reality talent show, but Marsha Milan Londoh has established herself as one of Borneo's pop queens of the 2000s and beyond. While she excels in both singing and acting, and most recently tasted victory when her hit ballad 'Hening Rindu' topped the Anugerah Juara Lagu 39 in February, the Tamparuli-born beauty loves traditional Kadazan-Dusun popular music from her home state most. HEART For that reason, 40-year-old Marsha has just come up with a six-track album that pays tribute to the music that is close to her heart, titled 'Misompuru'. At a recent listening session of the album, which also saw Marsha share the stage with some of her collaborators and perform all six songs, the Akademi Fantasia 3 graduate said: "Misompuru originates from the Kadazan-Dusun language word that means 'gathering'. "This album is a love letter from me to my motherland, Borneo and it aims to be a work that will always be listened to by the people of Borneo, no matter where they are." Marsha added: "It is inspired by the rhythms, styles and colours of indigenous music from Sabah, Labuan and Sarawak, also known as East Malaysia. "And all of the songs in it feature elements of nostalgia, strength, resilience and longing for the homeland." COMPLETED Marsha began work on the album late last year and completed it around the same time as her participation in Anugerah Juara Lagu 39. She said: "Misompuru has been my ticket to go to the international music stage, and rightly so, as I sang for Malaysia at the Round Asean-Korea Music Festival 2025, with artistes from around Southeast Asia in June. "It was befittingly accompanied by my poster appearing on New York's Times Square billboard as part of the Equal campaign by Spotify in April." SIX SONGS Misompuru's six songs are 'Nalan Nalan' which features Sarawakian sape maestro Alena Murang, who also composed and wrote it; 'Lintah Darat' composed and written by Marsha's old friend from Akademi Fantasia 4 Velvet Aduk, who is the guest vocalist; and Pelangi Pasti, written and composed by Akademi Fantasia 9's Amir Jahari. There is also 'Santai Saja', written by Marsha and composed by Velvet's husband and fellow Akademi Fantasia 4 graduate Rich Gimbang of Estranged; 'Hey Aramai Ti', a duet with Sabahan composer and lyricist Datuk Francis Landong; and 'Sumandak Sabah', Marsha's and Velvet's catchy collaboration which they co-wrote and co-composed. USERS Marsha said: "The track 'Lintah Darat' was the most challenging song for me, as it is a subtle critique of users which is meant to be entertaining yet educational. "It's based on my real-life experiences, and that of Velvet's. I guess all of us have encountered such people in our lives, and they're people we must avoid at all costs." Marsha said that 'Nalan Nalan' was the song that best reflected her, as it was about being on the move, a metaphor for one's life journey and progress. "The song 'Nalan Nalan' precisely means a journey, and it's always a joy to have a duet with the magnificent sape, beautifully played by Alena, a world class musician of Borneo," she said. EMOTIONAL As for 'Pelangi Pasti', Marsha described it as the album's most emotional song, which often saw her shed tears while singing it. "It's my first collaboration with Amir, who is one of Akademi Fantasia's and Borneo's most prolific composers and lyricists. "It may have a rainbow in its title, but actually it contains a lot of sorrowful moments. After completing the entire song, I felt grateful for the many things, good and bad, which have happened in my life thus far." DECEMBER Marsha said that 'Nalan Nalan' and 'Lintah Darat' were the first two songs which she recorded, in November and December last year, while 'Santai Saja' was the last one. Marsha describes 'Misompuru' as her stepping-stone to promote her passion for indigenous music, and in future she would love to record more indigenous music, not just in Kadazan-Dusun but also in other languages of Borneo. KLANG VALLEY She admitted that songs in native Borneo languages were not easily received by mainstream audiences in the heart of the Klang Valley. "Nevertheless, Malaysians are fast becoming more open to diverse types of music. "More and more Malaysians are beginning to appreciate music that is sung in languages other than English and Malay," she said. HOPE She hopes that 'Misompuru' will encourage more of Borneo's indigenous pop singers to "go mainstream" and put the Borneo sound on the world music map. "This album is also my Kaamatan gift for fans and family. It combines both Malay and Kadazan-Dusun lyrics to make it accessible to Malaysians around the country." POSTERS While Misompuru's promotional posters speak of Marsha as the Queen of Borneo Music, she feels that there are many other iconic singers from Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan who are equally talented. "The title Queen Of Borneo does sound rather flattering, honestly. If there are people who truly deserve this title, they would be Borneo's pioneering female singers such as beloved 1970s legends Uji Rashid and Anita Sarawak," she said.
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Habitat loss forces wildlife into human zones in Sabah
Henrietta IN recent years, Sabah has seen a troubling rise in sightings of wild animals straying into urban areas and popular tourist destinations. Crocodiles along Tanjung Aru Beach, monkeys infiltrating resorts, and even elephants entering plantations and villages are no longer rare occurrences — they're becoming alarmingly common. This phenomenon is more than a curiosity; it is a warning. Wild animals are not naturally drawn to human presence. When crocodiles appear near swimming zones or a herd of elephants disrupts traffic in rural towns, it speaks of a deeper crisis — the shrinking of their natural habitats. Deforestation, unsustainable land development, and climate change have devastated the lush rainforests and mangroves that once served as safe, thriving ecosystems for Sabah's wildlife. The expansion of urban sprawl and agriculture has forced many species to search for food and shelter beyond their traditional territory — leading them straight into human settlements. The implications of this are dangerous. Tourists unfamiliar with local fauna may unknowingly provoke wildlife, leading to tragic encounters. For locals, frequent sightings of crocodiles or wild boars near homes are no longer shocking — they are becoming the norm. Worse, when these animals are seen as threats, they are often killed or relocated inhumanely. What we fail to understand is that these wild animals are not the intruders — we are. Sabah's ecotourism depends on the delicate balance between humans and nature. Destinations like Tanjung Aru Beach, Kinabatangan River and Mount Kinabalu draw thousands each year with promises of untouched nature. But the growing presence of displaced animals in these areas is creating safety concerns that could affect the tourism industry's reputation and sustainability. This alarming trend calls for immediate and coordinated action on multiple fronts. It is not just about protecting people from wildlife, but about restoring the balance that allows both to coexist. 1. Stricter Environmental Protections Enforce and strengthen laws that protect wildlife corridors and limit deforestation, particularly in key habitats like riverbanks, wetlands, and primary forests. Impose heavy penalties for illegal logging, unregulated land clearing, and encroachment into protected areas. 2. Public Awareness Campaigns Launch education programs through schools, media and tourism boards to raise awareness about respecting wildlife and minimizing conflict. Display warning signs and safety guidelines in high-risk zones, especially near rivers, beaches, and forest edges. 3. Habitat Restoration Projects Reforest degraded areas and restore mangrove ecosystems that serve as natural buffers and breeding grounds for wildlife. Encourage corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs from palm oil and logging companies to fund reforestation efforts. 4. Collaboration with Indigenous Communities Involve native communities such as the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut and Rungus in conservation planning, utilizing their traditional knowledge and sustainable land-use practices. Provide community-based incentives for protecting forests and reporting illegal activities. 5. Establishment of Wildlife Early-Warning Systems Use motion-detection cameras, GPS tracking and AI-driven alerts to monitor wildlife movement near settlements or tourist areas. Coordinate with local authorities to respond quickly and humanely to sightings or emergencies. 6. Creation of Buffer Zones Designate 'green belts' or buffer zones between forests and urban/tourist developments to reduce direct contact between humans and wildlife. Develop wildlife underpasses or overpasses across major roads to allow safe animal migration without conflict. 7. Regulated Feeding and Relocation Programs If relocation is necessary, ensure it is done ethically, guided by conservation experts — not simply moving animals to unfamiliar and dangerous areas. Stop unregulated or illegal feeding of wild animals by tourists, which alters animal behavior and encourages encroachment. 8. Eco-Tourism Guidelines and Certifications Require resorts and tour operators to follow sustainable wildlife interaction guidelines. Promote certifications for eco-friendly businesses that actively protect and respect surrounding biodiversity. 9. Data Collection and Research Support Fund research initiatives to study animal behavior changes, habitat loss patterns, and best practices for coexistence. Encourage universities and NGOs to collaborate in long-term monitoring programs. Conclusion Sabah's wild animals are not venturing into human spaces by choice. They are being pushed there by an imbalance caused by human activity. As stewards of this land, it is our responsibility to restore harmony — not just for the sake of wildlife, but for our own future. It is no longer a matter of 'why are animals coming closer to us?' The real question is — what are we doing to push them away from where they belong? Henrietta M. Moguntil is an independent writer and environmental advocate based in Kota Kinabalu.
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Free listening session for Marsha Milan's new album 'Misompuru' on July 13
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabahan singer Marsha Milan Londoh is back with a brand new album that celebrates a blend of tradition and modernity. The album, titled Misompuru, which means "gathering" in Kadazan-Dusun, her mother tongue, features six songs and is now available on all major music streaming platforms. In a statement yesterday, Marsha announced that fans are invited to a free listening session of the album at 4pm on July 13. The free event, themed Misompuru: Borneo Album Listening Session, will take place at RXP in REX KL, Jalan Sultan, here. Marsha shared her enthusiasm, saying, "My latest album celebrates the beauty of Borneo's traditional music, and it comes from my deep love of my motherland." She added that her new album combines elements of nostalgia with a profound affection for tradition, family, and her roots. "In other words, it is my love letter to my homeland Sabah and Borneo," she explained. "Misompuru's sound is deeply rooted in the Borneo sound and resonates with everyone who loves their homeland and family." Misompuru also marks Marsha's first significant attempt to enter the global music market. She was recently invited to perform songs from the new album at the Round ASEAN-Korea Music Festival 2025. "My upcoming listening session promises to be an immersive and interactive musical experience," she said.
