TAWAU: The Iraw Adou Sigog Momogun Tidung Borneo Sabah 2025 Festival has emerged as a key platform to showcase and strengthen the cultural heritage of the Tidung ethnic group in Sabah.
The event, which also brought together Tidung communities from across Borneo including North Kalimantan (Kaltara), Indonesia highlighted the strong unity among the Momogun Tidung people.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the festival aligns with the State Government’s efforts to preserve cultural traditions and strengthen ethnic identity as a foundation for social development and harmony in Sabah’s diverse society.
“Cultural heritage such as language, customs, traditional attire, dance, music, and crafts must be safeguarded, promoted and passed down to younger generations.
Initiatives like this festival should serve as a model for other ethnic organisations in Sabah,” he said in his speech delivered by his Assistant Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, during the opening ceremony at the Tawau Municipal Field.
Hajiji pointed out need for continuous collaboration among government agencies, private sectors and non-governmental organisation to promote Sabah’s unique cultural assets.
“This festival will also boost tourism, supporting our target of 3.5 million visitors to Sabah this year,” he added.
He commended the Sabah Tidung Community Association (PAKOT Sabah) for organising the large-scale event, which featured cultural performances, a Tidung Heritage Exhibition, traditional art competitions and community dialogues aimed at fostering unity among Tidung and other ethnic groups in Sabah.
He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to preserving indigenous traditions, ensuring they gain wider recognition globally.
