Igal-Igal festival proposed as annual event across Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Semporna: The inaugural Igal-Igal Festival in Mantabuan Island has been proposed as an annual community-based event that could extend to other islands within Tun Sakaran Marine Park (TSMP). Rimi Repin, deputy permanent secretary at the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, highlighted that Igal-Igal is more than just a traditional dance; it is a part of the Bajau community's heritage, identity, and pride.

The dance, accompanied by traditional music and distinctive performances, exemplifies the richness of the local culture and creativity. Rimi expressed her enthusiasm for recognizing Igal-Igal not only among the local community but also as a part of Semporna's cultural identity, introducing it to visitors from Malaysia and abroad.

She welcomed this aspiration as community-based programs can serve as ongoing platforms for promoting cultural heritage and unique tourism attractions in marine park areas. The inaugural festival, organized by the Mantabuan Island community, Koperasi Alam Laut Silangau Semporna Berhad (KOPSI), and Brand Borneo Tours, Travel and Experiences Sdn Bhd, coincided with a commitment to environmental awareness, arts and cultural exhibitions, traditional music, traditional food, and community activities.

Rimi emphasized that the festival could raise awareness about protecting islands and marine ecosystems while expanding to other islands through collaboration among stakeholders could provide more island communities with opportunities to participate in tourism-related economic activities such as handicraft production, traditional food preparation, tourism services, and other supporting activities.

However, Rimi stressed that the success of the annual festival should not be solely measured by visitor numbers or the event's vibrancy; it should also be assessed by the benefits returned to the community and its impact on preserving cultural heritage and the environment. She stressed the importance of ensuring that tourism development in Tun Sakaran Marine Park is carried out responsibly and sustainably, stating that tourism cannot be separated from the responsibility to protect the environment.