Liew receiving a token of appreciation from Semporna District Officer Alexander Liew. Looking on are the Consul of the Republic of Indonesia, Bapa Aris Heru Utomo and the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai.
SEMPORNA (Nov 24): The Regatta Lepa Festival is among the cultural programs such as the Museum Festival 2025 and Exotic Crafts, set to be included in Sabah’s tourism calendar next year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
Hajiji said this initiative can enhance the competitiveness of community-based tourism, which is an effective approach to distributing the income generated by the industry more inclusively and equitably.
“All these efforts aim to ensure that this cultural heritage can be appreciated by the present and future generations. At the same time, it will further stimulate the local tourism sector.
“Therefore, I urge all the people of Sabah to remain united and support the government’s efforts so that more development can benefit people at all levels,” he said at the opening ceremony of the 29th Regatta Lepa Semporna Celebration 2024 at the Semporna town field last night.
His speech was delivered by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew.
Hajiji stressed that the modern era does not hinder the state government’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and traditions passed down from ancestors.
“Lepa is not just a boat; it symbolizes the skill, wisdom, and uniqueness of traditional architecture and engineering passed down through generations. The richness of cultural traditions and ethnic diversity is a unique heritage that will continue to be preserved for future generations.
“Through the organization of Regatta Lepa, we not only foster unity but also strengthen our identity as a society rich in traditions. It is our shared responsibility to empower the cultural sector in this state,” he said.
He added that Sabah’s distinctive and diverse heritage, ethnicities, cultures, and communities are vital assets as tourist attractions and must be preserved and protected as symbols of the state’s civilization.
“This aligns with the Sabah Cultural Development Master Plan 2020-2030, which includes developing a Cultural Mapping System, upgrading tourism facilities, preserving and conserving heritage documentation, and maintaining historical sites,” he said.
To this end, the Chief Minister called on all Sabahans to uphold the culture of unity and harmony for a brighter future for the people and the next generation.
“This aligns with this year’s festival theme, ‘Regatta Lepa; A Symbol of Unity in a Civil Society,’ which clearly shows that the celebration can serve as a platform for unity among people of various ethnicities in the state.
“We must continue to defend and strengthen this spirit of unity. Do not allow any form of division to disrupt the harmony we have built over the years,” he said.
