2 days ago
Tempasuk Festival celebrates ethnic heritage with grand cultural parade
Parade by the Tobilung ethnic group at the Tempasuk Festival 2025.
KOTA BELUD (Aug 16): The Colourful Night (Malam Citrawarna) was a key highlight of the Tempasuk Festival 2025, themed around the artistic and cultural imagery of Tempasuk, featuring diverse artistic performances and cultural activities to promote local heritage.
Festival chairperson Datin Vinnie Nursyahirah Abdullah stated that the five-day festival, running from August 13, showcases the cultural diversity of Tempasuk and Kota Belud through dance, traditional attire, food, folk games and artistic performances.
'This festival is a celebration bringing together various artistic and cultural elements of the Tempasuk community. Historically, Tempasuk was the original name for Kota Belud, which is why we present cultures from across this region to introduce them to the public.
'Notably, tonight's program features appearances by renowned local artists like Datuk Francis Landong and Leles Koronob, alongside performances by the Pentarama troupe from the Sabah Information Department,' she told the media after the event at Dataran Pusat Khidmat Rakyat N.9 Tempasuk here on Friday.
The ceremony was officiated by Datuk Jasnih Daya, Executive Chairman of Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd and assemblyman for Pantai Dalit, Tuaran.
The pinnacle event, the Tempasuk Ethnic Cultural Parade, involved nine teams: seven representing sub-districts (mukim) in the Tempasuk State Constituency and two special invited teams from the committee – the Tobilung ethnic group of Kota Belud.
'This parade is a community focal point, as each team presents its uniqueness while vying for five awards: Largest Participating Team, Best Performance, Best Concept, Most Vibrant Team and Most Cooperative Team.
'This parade competition is the second edition after its debut in 2022, though the name differs slightly,' she added.
According to Vinnie, the festival aims to be a platform for the Tempasuk community to elevate their customs and cultures, positioning the Tempasuk State Constituency as a tourism hub while fostering closer ties between locals and visitors.
She added that the festival also positively impacts the local economy through vendor booths, exhibitions, collaborations with accommodation providers, and involvement of various service providers.
'We anticipate around 5,000 visitors throughout the festival. This attendance can economically benefit residents via accommodation services, food businesses, and souvenir sales, even within this short period,' she explained.
Also present were Sabah Softwoods Berhad chairman and Tempasuk assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari, Kota Belud District Officer Peter Jiton, Sabah Information Department deputy director Supian Musa and Kota Belud District Chief OKK Awang Samad.
