MATUNGGONG — Cultural tourism has the potential to generate income for local communities, particularly in rural areas, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said.
He said Sabah’s diverse ethnic arts and cultures were valuable assets that could attract domestic and international tourists while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
“The State Government is committed to promoting culture as a driver of the local tourism industry, in line with the economic agenda under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan,” he said.
His speech was read by Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister and Matunggong Assemblywoman Datuk Julita Majungki at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sabah State-Level Gong Festival at the Matunggong New Township Open Hall today.
Hajiji said Sumangkap Village in Matunggong was renowned for its traditional gong-making industry, with the skills and dedication of local artisans demonstrating how cultural heritage could thrive through proper preservation.
“Therefore, we must ensure that Sumangkap Village remains a centre for the gong-making industry. I urge gong makers and everyone involved in the traditional musical instrument industry to continue innovating.
“Preserve the uniqueness of this heritage while exploring modern designs that appeal to contemporary tastes and have the potential to penetrate international markets,” he said.
He stressed that preserving the gong-making tradition required collective support, particularly in helping local communities sustain the craft and encouraging younger generations to learn the skills and pass them on.
Hajiji said the Gong Festival was more than a cultural event, serving as a platform to celebrate Sabah’s traditional heritage, showcase the cultural diversity of its communities and strengthen unity among people of different ethnicities and religions.
“For generations, the sound of the gong has accompanied traditional ceremonies and harvest celebrations, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds,” he said.
He said the festival also played an important role in preserving and promoting gong-making traditions, ensuring they remained relevant while encouraging younger generations to discover, learn about and appreciate their cultural heritage.
Hajiji said this year’s theme, “Echoes of the Gong, the Spirit of Culture”, reflected the community’s heritage, pride and identity while emphasising the importance of preserving traditions, appreciating diversity and passing cultural knowledge on to future generations.
He added that the Gong Festival and other ethnic celebrations served as reminders that unity in diversity was fundamental to Sabah’s strength.
“Let us work together to ensure that the sound of Matunggong’s gongs continues to ring out as a symbol of our heritage, pride and cultural continuity,” he said.
