Kalimaran festival celebrates Murut heritage, strengthens ties with other communities

TENOM: The Kalimaran festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Sabah's Murut community while fostering closer ties with other ethnic groups.

Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang said the festival originated from Injawari or Panawari, a traditional gathering held by the Murut community before independence during British colonial rule.

He said the celebration was later renamed Kalimaran following discussions within the association, with the new name reflecting values such as diligence, competitiveness and unity.

"The festival's long history shows that Murut cultural heritage has deep traditional roots and must be preserved as a symbol of the community's identity and pride," he said at the 20th Kalimaran festival in Kemabong near here recently.

Rubin, who is the Kemabong assemblyman and Sabah Murut Association president, said the festival provided a platform to showcase Murut customs, arts and traditional crafts while ensuring they were passed down to future generations.

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Since last year, the Lundayeh community has also been involved in organising the festival, broadening its scope to showcase the traditions, handicrafts and heritage of both communities.

This year's theme, "Migogondo Jumalai Sumingkot", meaning "United in Progress and Development", highlights the importance of cooperation in building a united, progressive and competitive society.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor called on younger generations to preserve their cultural heritage and draw inspiration from Murut warrior Ontoros Endoi, better known as Antanom, whose courage and determination remain an important part of the community's history.

In his speech, delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick at the festival, Hajiji said Antanom's legacy was not merely about the courage to fight, but also about dignity, self-respect, leadership, loyalty to one's homeland and love for the community.

"These values remain highly relevant in our lives today. I want the spirit of Antanom to continue inspiring Sabah's younger generation to appreciate their homeland, uphold unity, face challenges with courage, acquire knowledge and skills, develop a strong sense of identity and always contribute to the state and nation," he said.