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Lundayeh add vibrancy to 19th Irau Kalimaran Festival

Published on: Sunday, August 10, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 10, 2025 Text Size: Sabah Murut Association President Rubin Balang with the participants. Tenom: The cultural diversity and performances of the Lundayeh community added vibrancy to the 19th Irau Kalimaran Festival here, marking the second time their cultural practices were showcased alongside the Murut ethnic group in the Interior. Sabah Murut Association President Datuk Rubin Balang, who is also the organiser of the 19th Irau Kalimaran, said with performances such as traditional dances and ethnic songs that enliven the festival, unity in nation-building can be better realised. Advertisement 'The participation of Lundayeh traditional songs and dances shows little difference from Murut practices, including their cultural celebrations. It has now become a major attraction for visitors with its blend of artistic and cultural performances from the Lundayeh community,' he said. In addition, it instils a love for heritage and helps ensure that cultural traditions are not eroded by the changing times,' he said when officiating the Lundayeh Song and Singing Competition at Kemabong Sub-District Square stage on Wednesday. Rubin, who is also Kemabong Assemblyman, said that the 2025 edition of Irau Kalimaran is being held in a selected district and brings together Murut sub-ethnic groups as well as the Lundayeh community in Kemabong, from Wednesday until this Saturday (August 6–9, 2025). A variety of events are being held in conjunction with the festival, including traditional sports, cultural and art exhibitions, ethnic song competitions for the Murut and Lundayeh, ethnic dance performances, Lundayeh dance contests, Ralaa Kalimaran (a cultural showcase), government agency exhibitions and stalls selling food and traditional attire. Rubin encouraged participation among local youths and young women to take the opportunity to trade, earn additional income and showcase their talents in ethnic singing and dancing competitions. Advertisement 'There are many activities throughout Irau Kalimaran, such as exhibitions, traditional attire showcases and ethnic creativity, which are all highly commendable. 'Therefore, we extend an open invitation and welcome all ethnic groups in Sabah to come and celebrate Kalimaran together,' said Rubin, who is also Sedco Chairman. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is scheduled to officiate the official opening of the Irau Kalimaran, themed Ahahanggoi am Sumingkot, on Saturday morning. Also present during the third day of the Kalimaran programme were Kemabong Sub-District Assistant District Officer (Administration) Zakharia Jamal, programme organising chairperson Rafavy Sapath and local community leaders from Tenom. In the dance competition, the Meraben troupe emerged as champions and also won Best Choreography, while Lepa Rayeh placed second and Busak Sekeli came third. The Best Male Dancer award went to the contestant wearing number 8 and the Best Female Dancer was awarded to contestant number 61. Meanwhile, in the singing competition, Rubica Sarag was crowned champion, followed by Christiean Zail in second place and Line Merinah Joseph in third. All winners in both the singing and dance categories received cash prizes. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia