Revive local traditional food industry — JCI
KOTA KINABALU: The local traditional food industry should be revived and elevated back to the top spot, where it rightfully belongs, said Junior Chamber International (JCI) Penampang president Oliver Galasius.
He said the art and beauty of Sabahan traditional food has been a rare sight nowadays.
“These days, our traditional food will usually only be served during special events, such as the Kaamatan Festival, dinner functions, weddings etc.
“It is very rare to see our traditional food being served at commercial restaurants.
“Youths hold the potential key to solve this problem. That is why we at JCI had decided to organize the Sabah Traditional Food Festival 2017 together with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB),” Oliver said at the launching ceremony of the festival yesterday.
Oliver asserted that food is not all about satisfying one’s hunger as it has another deeper meaning, which is to unite the people.
“The Sabahan traditional food industry has the ability to unite us all.
“Even though some of us may come from different backgrounds and have different political beliefs, when it comes to eating, we can always sit and feast together,” he said.
Oliver thanked Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun and STB for giving JCI Penampang the opportunity to host such an important event.
Also present in the event was Penampang assistant district officer Henry Idol, who in his speech, expressed his gratitude towards JCI Penampang for its efforts in preserving the lost art of the Sabahan traditional food industry.
“At this festival, we are able to see and learn how these beloved traditional cuisines are prepared, which can be a very good thing for us.
“Also, I would like to see our traditional cuisines being incorporated in the special menus of the various commercial restaurants here,” Henry added.
The food festival will be held until July 23 at the Sabah Cultural Centre, Penampang.
Among the delicacies that will be served during the event are Ambuyat with Ikan Basung, Busau Kering, Busau Basah, Beras Bario Merah and Daun Deringin.
The festival features food from around the state and each delicacy represents a different ethnicity.
Oliver further said that the food festival was organized in conjunction with the 8th Sabah Tugu Budaya Etnik (National Youth Folk Dance Festival 2017).
It was understood that this is the first traditional food festival that JCI has ever organized.
“We hope that we can turn this into a yearly event.
“Also, since next year will mark the official Visit Penampang year, JCI will try to outdo itself by organizing an even bigger festivel,” Oliver said.