30/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 30, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

Preserving Sabah’s exotic culinary heritage o Eighty traditional dishes take centre stage at RTM’s 80th anniversary bash

Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

K OTA KINABALU: A vibrant showcase of 80 traditional Sabahan dishes was held recently in celebration of Radio Television Malaysia's (RTM) 80th anniversary. The event aimed to preserve cultural heritage and reinforce the state's multiethnic identity. State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar praised the initiative for its significant impact on safeguarding local culture. “Programmes like this do more than highlight the uniqueness of Sabahan traditional food. They serve as a platform to preserve our cultural heritage and strengthen the identity of our multiethnic community,” he said when officiating at the event at Imago Shopping Mall. Jamawi added that Sabahan gastronomy is deeply rooted in natural resources and local produce, and is tied to the community's way of life. “Many of our traditional dishes use ingredients such as lemongrass, turmeric, chilli, pandan leaves, ulam , vegetables and various local herbs grown in backyards or kitchen gardens,” he said. He emphasised that the programme was not merely a food festival but also carried an important message about the role of kitchen gardens in modern society. Gardening, he said, should be encouraged as it provides fresh and healthy food for families while

helping to reduce household expenses. “In today’s challenging cost of living environment, growing your own basic cooking ingredients at home is a practical step,” he added. Jamawi pointed out that many Sabahan traditional dishes would be incomplete without fresh ingredients from kitchen gardens, reflecting the close link between heritage food and nature. Jamawi also acknowledged RTM's eight-decade role in uniting the people through information, education and entertainment. The food showcase, he said, also served as a platform to promote Sabah's gastronomic tourism, particularly in conjunction with Visit Sabah Year. “Traditional food is not just cuisine – it is a story of culture, customs and identity passed down through generations.” Also present at the event were Assistant Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam and RTM Sabah director Yusni Mohamad Ali.

Models showcasing some of the delicacies during the event. – PIC COURTESY OF RTM SABAH FACEBOOK PAGE

Sarawak Metro holds road safety campaign

KUCHING: In conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha and the upcoming Hari Gawai celebrations, Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd organised a road safety campaign to promote greater awareness on road safety among motorists during the festive season. Held along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, the campaign was organised in collaboration with Blue Line Package 1 contractor ICSB-CRECM-NYET JV and Sarawak police, Kota Samarahan district police, the Samarahan Resident’s Office and Samarahan District Office. The initiative was led by Sarawak Metro Quality, Safety, Security, Health, Environment and Traffic Management Department head Mijun Nasin. A team from Sarawak Metro participated in distribution activities throughout the programme. During the campaign, 50 safety helmets and goodie bags were given to motorcyclists passing through the area while motorists also received

gift bags. Sarawak Metro CEO Mazli Mustaffa said the campaign reflects the company’s continued commitment towards promoting public safety and fostering stronger collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders. “We are pleased to work together with our stakeholders in promoting road safety awareness, especially during the festive season when traffic volume is expected to increase significantly,” he said. He also reminded all road users to remain vigilant and practise safe driving habits while travelling to their hometowns and other destinations during the celebrations. “At the same time, we would like to express our appreciation to the public for their continued patience and understanding as construction works for the Kuching Urban Transportation System Project progress across several areas,” he added.

Volunteers after collecting 52kg of trash on the island.

STM Lottery brings sustainability action to Perhentian

BESUT: In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR), STM Lottery Sdn Bhd organised a three-day Beach Clean-up and Sustainability Programme at Pulau Perhentian in Terengganu from May 15 to 17. The programme, which involved 39 employees, was conducted in collaboration with marine preservation activists from the Bubbles Turtle Conservation Project. The initiative aimed to raise environmental awareness while supporting marine ecosystem preservation efforts through experiential learning and hands-on sustainability activities. The participants attended educational modules on marine ecology, turtle preservation, zero-waste practices and sustainability leadership. Employees also took part in guided marine observation activities, turtle hatchery maintenance simulations and a beach clean-up session around the island. The participants collected a total of 52kg of rubbish such as plastic bottles, plastic foam, fishing nets, shoes and cigarette butts,

contributing to the preservation and cleanliness of the island’s coastal environment. STM Lottery Communications and Sustainability general manager Giam Say Khoon expressed appreciation to all participants and partners for making the programme meaningful and impactful. “At STM Lottery, sustainability is not only part of our corporate responsibility, but also a long-term commitment towards preserving the environment for future generations,” he said. “This programme has provided our employees with valuable exposure to marine preservation, environmental protection and sustainable living practices. They are also encouraged to adopt sustainable practices both at the workplace and in their daily lives.” STM Lottery has championed environmental preservation initiatives over the years, including beach clean-up campaigns, tree-planting activities, recycling initiatives and island preservation programmes, as part of the company’s Helping Hands CSR efforts and sustainability agenda.

Sarawak Traffic Police Investigation and Enforcement Department deputy head DSP James Jakup Chaling, accompanied by Mijun (2nd right), handing a goodie bag to a motorcyclist.