By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: A total of 80 Sabahan traditional cuisines were showcased in conjunction with the Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) 80th anniversary celebration.
The initiative was also aimed at preserving cultural heritage and strengthening the state’s multi-ethnic identity.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar commended the programme, saying it had a significant impact on efforts to preserve local culture.
“Programmes like this not only highlight the uniqueness of Sabahan traditional food, but also serve as a platform to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen the identity of the multi-ethnic community in this state,” he said when officiating the programme at Imago Shopping Mall here.
Jamawi said Sabahan traditional cuisine is rooted in natural resources and local produce closely linked 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 backyard or kitchen gardens,” he said.
He said the programme was not merely a food festival but also carried an important message on the role of kitchen gardens in modern society.
He said gardening 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 said.
Jamawi said many Sabahan traditional dishes would not be complete without fresh ingredients from kitchen gardens, which reflect the close link between heritage food and nature.
He said he was confident that strengthening the kitchen garden initiative, particularly among the younger generation, would help preserve traditional food heritage while promoting community farming and sustainable living.
He added that RTM, had played a major role in uniting the people through information, education and entertainment for eight decades.
Jamawi also said the programme served as a platform to promote Sabah’s gastronomic tourism, especially in conjunction with Visit Sabah Year.
“Traditional food is not just cuisine, but a story of culture, customs and identity passed down through generations,” he said.
He said the ministry fully supported such initiatives and hoped they would continue to be strengthened.
Also present were Assistant Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam and RTM Sabah director Yusni Mohamad Ali.
Jamawi (centre), and guests visit the exhibition of 80 traditional cuisines.
