Kota Kinabalu: The recent collaboration between the Ministry of Tourim, Arts and Culture (Motac) and the State Government in organising the Kota Belud Grand Tamu 2024 not just boosted the local economy but made it a potential addition to tourism calendar.
Head of Event Management at Motac, Rosnan Abdul Rahman, said it was Motac’s first collaboration with the State Government, along with the Kota Belud District Office, District Council and the State Cultural Board.
“We’re gathered around 500 people from various departments, agencies and associations to help with the activities during the event from Nov 1-3.
Rosnan believes this partnership can have a significant impact on local small businesses and homestay operators.
The event feature 52 cultural and craft agencies and associations, with mural and doodle installations officiated by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Cultures, Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan.
Machete artisans Francis and Said (right) display their machetes at the Kota Belud Tamu Market.
A survey found that among the popular items were machetes (parangs) crafted by skilled artisans who have inherited their skills across generations.
Francis Pang, 70, from Kampung Tombol, and his friend Said Soh, 65, from Siasai Jaya, said the machetes are primarily made from car springs or iron, with shapes and sizes tailored to their intended use.
The machetes feature handles and sheaths crafted from acacia, ebony, jackfruit wood, black tiger wood, and buffalo horn.
In addition to machetes, Francis also kris, kerambit knives, sword and daggers, some customs-made to suit customer preferences.
Handicraft, such as “tepo” (woven mats), “tudung duang” (traditional covers), and baskets of various sizes and shapes, also popular, along with Bajau sashes and shawls.
Jailan Preeh, 49, from Kampung Pangkalan Abai, learned basket weaving from her mother and started weaving at age 12.
Now a mother of five, she has turned her craft into a source of family income.
“Some orders come from abroad, though most are sold around Kota Kinabalu, including at 1Borneo and other districts. The baskets, mats, and other items use serdang leaves, which grow wild in Kota Belud. We boil the leaves, dry them under the sun, and then dye them,” she said.
Kota Belud is known for its “penjaram” cakes, a traditional swee that is a favorite among tourists, especially those from other regions.
Aina Sari Jjamatal, 35, from Kampung Merabau, sells penjaram cakes at RM2 for five pieces, and they sell out quickly as she struggles to keep up with demand.
Kota Belud is also the only district that produces Bajau sashes and shawls with intricate patterns and vibrant color choices. Visitors purchase these items to wear or as gifts for loved ones.
The Kota Belud Tamu, formerly known as Tamu Tempasuk, dates back to December 13, 1878, making it the oldest,market in the state.
