Over 10,000 expected for Kalimaran annual festival

KOTA KINABALU: More than 10,000 people are expected to attend Pesta Kalimaran, an annual festival that honours and celebrates the Murut people and their tradition, in Tenom from 26 to 27 April.

Visitors can watch and take part in a myriad of traditional dances and games or view the intricate designs on the Murut attire particularly from the largest sub-groups of the Tagol from Nabawan and Timugon from Tenom. These events will take place at the Tenom Murut Cultural Centre and will be declared open by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.

The highlight of the two-day event will be a popular song Murut chart competition organised by RTM. Those who come between 7am and 10am on April 26 will be given lucky draw tickets for free and stand a chance to win electrical goods at the draw on the same day at 12.30pm.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun said at a press conference in his office yesterday that his ministry will assist local talents to become better entertainers.

“There is a need for us to mould our local artistes so that they can improve the quality of their performances,” he said. He said there were plenty of good entertainers in Sabah, particularly singers, and promised to see that these local entertainers get to enjoy better pay in the future.

“Our local artistes are paid peanuts compared to others. I will see to it that they are paid better when invited to do shows,” he said.