Ethnic groups in Tawau, Kalabakan urged to form associations

TAWAU: Ethnic groups in Tawau and Kalabakan are encouraged to form associations in an effort to preserve their heritage from getting lost in time.

Kalabakan MP, Ma’mun Sulaiman, said that only through associations, can the uniqueness of a race stand out and be introduced to other races in the State which has 39 ethnic groups. In fact, in line with the Visit Malaysia Year 2020, he said, it is time for all everyone to put their energy into highlighting their unique culture as tourists’ attractions in the area. “For example in terms of clothing, food and so on… in deed we have many interesting destinations in Tawau and Kalabakan such as Tawau Hill Park, Balung River and Maliau Basin, but not promoted as much.

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“Therefore, we have to work hard to promote our area that is culturally and environmentally attractive because we are far behind compared to Semporna. Tourists arriving at the Tawau Airport head straight to Semporna instead of Tawau,” he said. He said the Kalabakan Parliamentary Office has allocated special funds for associations, including cultural associations to enable them to implement beneficial programmes. He said the special fund is his commitment since becoming the Wakil Rakyat to ensure community development in various aspects in his area. Ma’mun said this in a media conference after the opening ceremony of the Persatuan Kebudayaan dan Kebajikan Bangsa Toraja Sabah and handing over of appointment to the committee held at the Sports Complex here, Saturday. Also present was its Chairman, Ishak Martin. On the programme, Ma’mun expressed how impressed he was with the association’s efforts in getting 84 members not including committee members within three short months after being officially registered on July 24.

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According to him, the Toraja people are no stranger to Sabah, adding that they have been in the State since the 50s and have brought their culture from South Sulawesi. He also hoped the proposal to bring direct flights from Tawau – Makassar can be realised next year so that the tourism sector between the two territories, which also share close family ties, can be strengthened.

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