Sabah Celebrates National Month With Multilingual Announcements

By Khatijah Jistoh

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Ethnic languages such as Bajau, Murut, Kadazan and Dusun are among the mediums used to deliver announcements and publicise the National Month celebration in Sabah.

Sabah Information Department (JaPen) deputy director Supian Musa said this initiative aims not only to ignite the spirit of the celebration but also to ensure that the messages are communicated in a language easily understood and appreciated by all levels of society.

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In addition to National Day celebration, these announcements also cover Sabah Day on August 31, and Malaysia Day, with Sabah hosting this year's celebrations.

"Sabah is home to over 32 ethnic groups, each with its own language. We chose to make announcements in various ethnic languages to ensure that the message of nationalism reaches everyone, and resonates more deeply with the speakers of these languages," Supian told Bernama in a recent interview.

These announcements are broadcast through Sabah VFM, a radio station operated by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) that caters to various languages in Sabah. The broadcasts are also available on Kupi Kupi FM and UMS FM, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

In addition, National Month announcements are shared on social media platforms such as Facebook, and through the Info on Wheels (IOW) programme by JaPen, which also utilises ethnic languages according to specific demographic areas.

Supian also said that they are collaborating with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency for publicity efforts on islands and water villages, particularly in Sandakan and Semporna, under the Info on Boat programme.

The Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang convoy in Sabah also includes visits to island areas around Sandakan, such as Pulau Berhala and Kampung Tanjung Aru, with the support of the agency. 

Meanwhile, Tawau Bajau Ethnic Association committee member Sawila Estim, 56, expressed appreciation for JaPen's efforts to use the Bajau language for National Month messages.

"Language not only reflects ethnic identity but also fosters unity and helps us better understand and appreciate the cultures of other ethnic groups," she said.

Noel Gurinda, a government retiree, who shares the same view, said the initiative highlights the uniqueness and unity of the people of Sabah. He added that communication poses no issue, as many people in Sabah are intermarried and can understand multiple ethnic languages.

Meanwhile, Mohd Rahim Majid, 38, said the use of ethnic languages enriches and amplifies the National Month celebration, fostering a stronger spirit of unity.

"This diversity is fascinating and indirectly, helps us learn more about the ethnic groups in Sabah, which is renowned for its rich cultural heritage," he said.

-- BERNAMA