Call to document Sabah’s legends, folklore
KOTA KINABALU: Documenting heritage stories such as legends and folklore as well as bio-cultural and biodiversity resource heritages are valuable.
Assistant Law and Native Affairs Minister Jannie Lasimbang said the values could be translated into economic gains for the state.
She said legends were proofs that (could) point to a place or objects and could serve as a tourism attraction for Sabah.
“This would attract both local and foreign tourists and provide income for the state and the people,” she said.
Speaking at the launch of “Tonggorib, Pengait and Head Hunters?” Sabah History Part 1 gathering held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) yesterday, Jannie also said legends could be developed as characters in computer games, similar to what the developed nation of Japan was doing.
“Generally, we get to know about the cultures, language, attire, food, and locations in Japan as well as the values of the Japanese people through creative production,” she said.
She reminded that Sabah has a rich resource of legendary stories and folklore that could be developed for the same purpose.
“For me, this is not only the best way for our young to inherit traditional knowledge but also an approach that will ensure the sustainability and protection of our values,” she said.
Jannie also encouraged youths who are talented in developing internet games to continue with their endeavor and also urged classes that taught internet game developments be started.
She said their interest would help safeguard the heritage of the people while at the same time, create a new market for the talented youths.
She then urged all heritages in Sabah be documented so that the knowledge could be inherited by the young in Sabah and used creatively utilising the latest innovations of today.