TAWAU: The Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house tradition has continued unimpeded at the Sabah Government level this festive season, reaffirming the enduring spirit of goodwill and tolerance among the State’s multiracial community as a defining symbol of Sabahan unity.
This clarification comes amid public confusion over differing open house policies between the State and Federal governments. The Chief Minister’s Office has not issued any directive or official circular prohibiting the organisation of open house events in Sabah.
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Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Dr Andi Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal Amin said the directive issued by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim applies exclusively to Federal ministries, departments, agencies, government-linked companies, and government-linked investment companies, and does not extend to the State Government administration.
“The Prime Minister’s directive was issued specifically for the Federal level. At the State Government level, there has been no subsequent directive, regulation, guideline, or new circular enforced,” he told reporters.
Dr Andi Shamsureezal, who is also the Tanjung Batu Assemblyman, made these remarks at the Tawau Traditional Food Festival and Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration held at the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Open Hall in Tanjung Batu Darat on Sunday. The event was organised in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The festival, jointly organised with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Tourism Malaysia, and the Sabah Tourism Board, attracted a turnout that far exceeded expectations, with attendance surpassing 10,000 visitors.
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Among the traditional dishes featured were buras and tumbuk (Bugis), lappa-lappa (Bajau), nasi ambeng and soto (Javanese), alongside a wide array of other ethnic specialities. The ever-popular cendol proved especially in demand, with most offerings sold out well before the end of the evening.
“Tonight’s turnout was extraordinary. Despite providing more than 4,000 seats, visitors continued arriving in waves, and all the food was completely finished before 10pm,” said Dr Andi Shamsureezal.
He described the continued observance of open house celebrations across various festivities as a testament to Sabah’s enduring social harmony.
He further characterised the food festival as a meaningful initiative in strengthening social integration through gastronomy, an effective platform for uniting diverse ethnic communities.
Beyond its celebratory function, he said the festival also served an educational purpose by providing younger generations with the opportunity to learn about one another’s traditional cuisines, thereby fostering deeper intercommunal understanding.
“The remarkable response to this festival reflects strong public support for programmes that emphasise unity and cultural exchange,” he said, adding that the Ministry is committed to institutionalising the festival as an annual event to ensure the preservation of Sabah’s rich culinary heritage.
