Kaamatam a good tourism opportunity
Published on: Thursday, May 12, 2016
Kudat: Harvest Festival celebrations at all levels should not merely be seen as a platform to strengthen unity and preserve culture, but also an event to spur local tourism industry by showcasing the unique culture in Sabah. Minister with Special Tasks Datuk Teo Chee Kang also urged more people, irrespective of race, to join the Harvest Festival celebrations in Sabah, especially the younger generation. "This is important to expose the young people and enable them to understand the significance of preserving our culture."
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Traditionally, Teo said the Harvest Festival was the best opportunity to enhance unity and togetherness as well as foster friendship among leaders and the KadazanDusunMurut (KDM) community. Nonetheless, he said the diversity and uniqueness of this local tradition and culture was also shared among people from various ethnic groups, religions and cultures in the State, and even local and foreign tourists. This is consistent with the Harvest Festival theme this year, 'Peace and Friendship', he said. "It conveys a strong message of our mutual understanding, respect and appreciation of the cultural diversity which has not only become unique to our State, but also the core strength that drives unity, prosperity, peace and progress in Sabah all the while."
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Teo, who is also Tanjong Kapor Assemblyman, said that when officiating at the Harvest Festival celebration in Kudat at Dewan Tun Datu Hj Mustapha here. Despite having more than 32 ethnic groups in Sabah, Teo said the State was blessed as the people lived in peace and harmony.
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"I hope all of us will preserve this positive spirit because it greatly contributes to political stability and economic development that we enjoy today."Teo said the Visit Kudat Year 2016-2017 launched on April 16 was also a platform to showcase the culture and promote the tourism industry in the district. Various events has been and will be held in conjunction with Visit Kudat Year 2016-2017, including Bay Dragon Boat Challenge on April 2, Kudat World Sea Turtle Day Celebration on June 5, Kudat Festival 2016 on July 22-24, Lantern Festival in September and more. Aside from strengthening unity and preserving culture, Teo said Harvest Festival celebrations at all levels, within village, district or organization, could boost the tourism industry through the showcase of our unique culture. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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