KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the State Government consistently supports noble efforts aimed at promoting local arts, culture, and language such as the SABAHVfm Songs Award.
“I am confident that with programmes like the SABAHVfm, new talents will continue to be discovered and Sabah’s ethnic music industry will continue to shine,” he said at the SABAHVfm 2025 Songs Award ceremony at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA, Penampang laast night.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Hajiji said the State Government is also committed to working with RTM Sabah and other agencies in the future to ensure that more high-impact programmes such as this can be implemented.
“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.
Hajiji said the SABAHVfm Songs Award programme is also aligned with the State Government’s aspiration to see the local music industry continue to thrive.
The programme also reflected RTM Sabah’s commitment to engaging with the community and encouraging the production of high-quality new artistic works, he said.
“The SABAHVfm Songs Award is very significant because it provides a platform for Sabah’s ethnic songs to be showcased not only at the state level, but also on the global stage through platforms such as the RTM Klik App and the Facebook pages of RTM Sabah and SABAHVfm.This is a proactive step that should be emulated,” he said.
“Programmes like these offer opportunities for artists, particularly composers of ethnic songs, to develop their talents and works.I would like to emphasise that the State Government supports and encourages local artists 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.
On this note, he said Sabah’s ethnic songs and music must continue to be supported by the public, especially the younger generation, to spark the spirit of uplifting and preserving the state’s ethnic music.
“I congratulate all the finalists who have made it to the final stage. Your presence here is a testament to your commitment and love for Sabah’s ethnic music. May this programme continue to be a catalyst for the advancement of ethnic music in Sabah,” he said.-pr/BNN
