By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the State Government consistently supports efforts to promote local arts, culture and language.
He expressed confidence that new talents will continue to emerge through Sabah’s ethnic music industry.
He said this at the SABAHVfm 2025 Songs Award ceremony held at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA, Penampang.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Hajiji said the government is also working with RTM Sabah and other agencies to ensure more high-impact programmes can be implemented in the future.
“We will continue striving to provide the necessary support so that the arts and culture industry in Sabah can continue to grow rapidly,” he said.
He said the SABAHVfm Songs Award programme aligns with the government’s aspiration to see the local music industry thrive.
The programme, he added, reflected RTM Sabah’s commitment to engaging with the community and encouraging the production of high-quality artistic works.
“The award ceremony is significant because it provides a platform for Sabah’s ethnic songs to be showcased not only at the state level, but also on global platforms such as the RTM Klik App and the Facebook pages of RTM Sabah and SABAHVfm,” he said.
“Programmes like these offer opportunities for artistes, particularly composers of ethnic songs, to develop their talents and works.
“I would like to emphasise that the government supports and encourages local artistes to produce more new songs in Sabah’s ethnic languages.
“These ethnic songs and music are not merely compositions of melody and lyrics; they are also a reflection of the history and culture of the diverse communities in this state,” he said.
He said Sabah’s ethnic songs and music must continue to be supported by the public, especially the younger generation, to preserve and uplift the state’s cultural heritage.
He congratulated all the finalists who made it to the final stage, saying their presence was a testament to their commitment and love for Sabah’s ethnic music.
