PITAS: The Sabah Tombonuo Ethnic Association (PBTS) hopes that the cultural celebration of the Tombonuo ethnic group, known as Rami-Rami Poriamo, will continue to be promoted and preserved as a celebration synonymous with areas predominantly inhabited by the Tombonuo community, particularly in Pitas.
In addition, PBTS also strongly hopes to have a traditional cultural house (rumah adat) of their own in the Pitas District, given that the Tombonuo population in the area is currently estimated at over 5,000 people. Nationwide, the Tombonuo population is estimated to be around 200,000.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Oil & Gas Development Corporation Sdn Bhd, Datuk Harun Ismail, said Rami-Rami Poriamo is a cultural celebration and traditional custom of the Tombonuo people, one of the indigenous ethnic groups in Sabah, particularly in the northern regions such as Pitas, Kota Marudu, Beluran, Kudat, and Sandakan.
Harun, who is also the President of the Sabah Islamic Dusun Organisation, explained that Poriamo in the Tombonuo language means “to gather” or “to assemble.”
Therefore, Rami-Rami Poriamo refers to a grand assembly or celebration that brings together the entire Tombonuo community in the spirit of unity, kinship, tradition, and culture.
He stated this to the media during the 2025 Rami-Rami Poriamo event organised by PBTS, held at the Youth and Sports Hall here on Saturday.
According to him, this festival is highly important, not only should it be preserved, but it should also be further enhanced, as many young people today have become increasingly detached from understanding their own cultural heritage.
He added that this is a commendable effort by the Tombonuo association and serves to raise awareness among the youth and the general public about the existence of this unique ethnic group and its rich cultural identity.
“Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, the state government has strengthened the role of the Sabah State Cultural Board (LKNS) with an allocation of RM12.34 million for the years 2023 and 2024.
This includes more than 100 cultural programmes at both district and state levels. This is part of the state government’s ongoing commitment to preserving the unique heritage of the various ethnic communities in Sabah.”
Harun explained that the Rami-Rami Poriamo celebration not only brings together people from all walks of life within the Tombonuo community.
From young children to the elderly, but also serves as an important platform to uphold and promote traditional customs, language, arts, and ancestral heritage, which are increasingly at risk due to the forces of modernization.
He stated that in the 20th century, this gathering began to evolve into a more organised event as traditional leaders started inviting representatives from other villages, shaping Rami-Rami into a symbol of unity and mutual understanding among the villages.
“The Poriamo tradition has long been practiced within the culture of the Tombonuo people, dating back to the time of their ancestors, even though it was not formally known as Rami-Rami Poriamo back then. It was often carried out through village communal work (gotong-royong) and customary ceremonies or annual rituals.”
“Let us all pledge to continue preserving, promoting, and passing on the culture of the Tombonuo people to future generations, so that our identity remains strong in the face of any challenge over time.”
He stated that in the context of state and national development, we must recognize that physical development alone is insufficient. We must also nurture the soul, spirit, and cultural heritage so that our society does not lose its direction and identity.
“I would like to call upon all parties, whether at the village, district, or state level, to continue supporting efforts to uphold the culture and language of the Tombonuo people. Celebrations like this should be established as annual events, expanded, and strengthened so that this culture is not merely a part of history, but becomes a source of strength and pride for future generations,” he said.
Also present were the President of PBTS, Dr. Ahkian Ah Kiew; his Deputy, Justin Akun; the Executive Chairman and Secretary-General of PBTS, Juans Tikuson; and the Vice President, Parasdin Oniung.
