Pesta Kalimaran to be Bolstered

Tenom District’s Pesta Kalimaran may see greater exposure through more involvement by local entrepreneurs and tourism industry players, small businesses, handicraft producers, food operators, and operators. The Murut community and especially the youths must preserve and promote their ethnic heritage and culture, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said.

Promoting traditional cultures and festivals aligns with the State Government’s efforts to encourage every district in Sabah to develop tourism products with its own unique identity in preparation for Visit Sabah Year 2027, the CM added.

“Celebrating local festivals will further strengthen the cultural tourism industry while providing opportunities for local communities to market their products and boost the rural economy,” Hajiji said at the opening ceremony of Ilau Kalimaran (Pesta Kalimaran) on 31st October 2026 at the Datuk Seri Panglima Antanom Hall, Tenom.

. “We look forward to seeing the younger generation become cultural ambassadors for Sabah. The spirit of Antanom must prevail and it is not merely about the courage to fight, but also about dignity, self-respect, leadership, loyalty to one’s homeland and love for the community.”

Datuk Seri Panglima Ontoros bin Endoi @ Antanom, better known as Antanom, a local leader from Tenom, has always stood for courage, determination and the spirit of struggle. The State Government remains committed to ensuring that Sabah's cultural heritage from all ethnic communities continued to be preserved, documented, and promoted, Hajiji said.

Pesta Kalimaran can promote Kemabong as one of Sabah’s distinctive cultural and tourism destinations. “I believe that with close cooperation between the State Government, government agencies, community leaders and strong support from the people, Kemabong will continue to grow and benefit from development,” the CM said. “Let us continue to safeguard peace, harmony and stability. With unity and stability, we can continue to pursue our development agenda through Sabah Maju Jaya.”

Datuk Ewon Benedick, Deputy Chief Minister III and State Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, delivered the Chief Minister’s speech.