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Musbah beating the gong to mark the opening of the Tamu Besar. From left to right are Japlin, Rahman, Mohd Najib and Herbert.
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26th October, 2009
KOTA BELUD: Colourful and steeped in tradition while showcasing a harmonious blend of cultures and peaceful living, the annual Tamu Besar event never fails to attract people – locals and visitors alike.
The celebration yesterday drew more than 10,000 people turning this town, where the Cowboys of the East roam free, into a veritable carnival.
Ponies dressed in brightly coloured cloths with their equally fancy riders, beauties decked in traditional costumes and the gentle strains of the betitik musical ensemble all combine to make a truly unique festival.
Kota Belud district officer, Mohd Najib Muntok was definitely pleased to witness the large turnout of people.
“They have come to see for themselves how people in Kota Belud all live in peace despite our different cultures. It is a true example of the 1Malaysia concept,” he beamed.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman in his opening speech said there were still other tourism products and potentials still left unexplored in Kota Belud.
He mentioned the Sempangan and Usungan cloths as well as the Sepak Manggis traditional game as possible attractions.
Musa reminded the younger generation also of the importance of preserving culture as a heritage and as a form of identity.
He assured the government through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment would continue to assist in organising the Tamu Besar event.
The text of his speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Agriculture & Food Industry, Datuk Musbah Jamli.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development, Datuk Japlin Akim, Assistant Minister of Community Development & Consumer Affairs, Datuk Herbert Timbon Lagadan and Kota Belud member of parliament, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
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