KENINGAU: Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, described The Crocker Range Festival (TCRF) as one of the initiatives to redevelop the economy of various sectors in the district.
He said this is specifically for small and medium entrepreneurs who have been severely affected over the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The programme is held to attract more visitors from outside the district to visit,” he said while launching the 7th Crocker Range Festival (TCRF) at the Keningau Square here.
Jeffrey, who is also Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, said the festival also aims to provide opportunities for new entrepreneurs such as sellers of handicrafts, food and drinks and locally-made products, among others.
Past festivals brought in some 10,000 visitors.
“If the event also reaches the target number of visitors like previously, it will definitely have a positive impact on the economic growth of the district and all parties involved,” he said.
He said the success of the festival was on the involvement of various agencies including government agencies, private and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and this proved that the collaboration also strengthened all the events held running smoothly.
Jeffrey, who is also Keningau MP, was told that there are 30 events held during the three-day festival, including Manangon competition, handicraft making competition, traditional Malay medley dance competition, street magic, Sabah creative ethnic dance, Sabah traditional musical instruments workshop, Sabah ethnic cultural parade and performance.
He invited the people of this district to jointly contribute efforts and energy to foster unity so that it is always preserved while also encouraging each other in an effort to highlight the uniqueness of this nation’s culture to the world community.
Also present at the event were Assistant Minister of Works and Bingkor Assemblyman, Datuk Robert Tawik, District Officer, Peter Jonu Moinjil, Keningau Tourism and Culture Chairman and TCRF Organising Chairman, Rafie Robert, heads of State and Federal government departments, NGO leaders and community leaders.
