SANDAKAN: A proposal to build a Walai Tokou, a traditional Kadazan Dusun cultural centre, for the Sungai Manila Scheme community has been welcomed as fulfilling a long-standing need among local residents.
Sungai Manila Assemblyman cum Sawit Kinabalu Group Chairman Datuk Hazem Mubarak Musa said the proposal was especially relevant due to the large Kadazan Dusun population within the Sungai Manila Scheme area.
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He said the proposed centre would serve not only as a cultural hub but also as a community gathering point for residents from various backgrounds, including as a venue to jointly celebrate the Kaamatan Festival in a spirit of harmony and unity.
“We will look into the need to establish such a centre here,” he told reporters after officiating the Sungai Manila Scheme Kaamatan Festival celebration at Dewan PPR Pekan Muhibah, Batu 12, on Sunday.
Hazem also expressed hope that the festival could be expanded on a larger scale in the coming years and called on the younger generation to continue appreciating and preserving the customs and heritage passed down through generations.
Meanwhile, Sungai Manila Scheme KDCA Chairperson cum Festival Organising Committee Chairperson Sariah Duling said the proposed walai tokou was warmly welcomed by the community.
She said the centre would provide a dedicated venue not only for Kaamatan celebrations but also for various community activities throughout the year.
In addition, Sariah expressed hope that the festival could be organised annually and that the Sungai Manila Scheme Unduk Ngadau representative would one day compete at the State-level.
