SANDAKAN: Traditional food should be preserved as it serves as a reminder of origins and ancestry, honours the legacy of forebears and strengthens family bonds and relationships between generations, said Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
The Works and Utility Minister said food culture also acts as a bridge connecting love within families and communities while reflecting values of respect, togetherness and unity.
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“Every association needs to play an important role in showcasing the diversity of traditional cuisine from each ethnic group, demonstrating the richness of our inherited culinary heritage,” he said at the Chinese Traditional Food Festival 2026, organised by the Persatuan Masyarakat Tionghwa Bersatu Sandakan at Dewan Yu Yuan on Sunday.
“Traditional food also symbolises the heritage, history and identity of a community,” he added.
The event, attended by Association President Datuk Edward Khoo, Sandakan Municipal Council President Walter Kenson, local elected representatives, and others, featured 14 stalls serving traditional Chinese community dishes, which were distributed to guests.
Dr Joachim described the programme as highly meaningful in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening unity among the state’s multi-ethnic communities.
In Sandakan alone, there are 15 Chinese ethnic groups, including Teochew, Hakka and Hokkien, each with unique culture and traditions.
“The effort to showcase the unique offerings of each community is what makes festivals like this so valuable,” he said, noting that such festivals create opportunities for people of various ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds to gather, interact, and understand one another.
“This is the beauty of Sabah – a state rich in culture and harmony, where differences are celebrated and unity continues to be strengthened,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Joachim emphasised that physical development must go hand in hand with social and cultural development.
“Progress should not erode community identity, and culture cannot be abandoned in the name of development. Both must move forward together to build a balanced, resilient, and united society,” he added.
