TUARAN: July 28, 2026 – The Mojumbak and Mongigol-Sumayau Dusun Festival (FESMOD) has the potential to be elevated as an annual state event that not only preserves intangible heritage but also strengthens community identity and serves as a cultural tourism draw for Sabah, the Chief Minister said.
Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the state government is committed to supporting efforts to elevate cultural treasures in line with the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan and the principles of the 2003 UNESCO Convention.
According to him, the organisation of FESMOD goes beyond being merely a competition for traditional music and dance. It serves as a platform that brings together communities, arts practitioners and various stakeholders to preserve and empower heritage.
“The state government will continue to support and assist any party, including cultural associations, that combine heritage preservation, research, documentation, innovation and the development of the creative economy,” he said.
Hajiji’s speech was delivered by Datuk Mohammad Ghazali Hajiji, political secretary to the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, at the closing ceremony and prize presentation of the second FESMOD edition at Dewan Seri Sulaman in Tuaran.
The second edition of the festival introduced a new category for Dusun creative dance competitions. The move provides space for the younger generation, choreographers and composers to produce new works rooted in traditional cultural identity.
Hajiji said the introduction of the category proves that cultural heritage can evolve with the times without compromising the authenticity and identity of the original traditions.
He also called on more government agencies, higher education institutions, corporate bodies and community organisations to join forces in strengthening Sabah’s cultural ecosystem.
He stressed that such efforts are vital to ensure that these heritage traditions continue to be preserved and passed down to future generations.
Also present at the event were Chong Wai Kit, director of the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC); Dr Cleopatra @ Clare Asing, deputy permanent secretary II of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment; Jainisah Mohd Noor, director of the Sabah Information Department; and Ibrahim Terki, Tuaran district officer.
