19 International Cultural Dance Troupes Expected At Folklore Festival This Year

KOTA KINABALU, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Sabah International Folklore Festival (SIFF) is back this year with 19 international cultural dance troupes expected to showcase their skills at the event from July 19 to 25. Nine troupes have already confirmed their participation in the fifth SIFF, namely from Latvia, India, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and China. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman launched the promotion drive for the event today by giving away posters and stickers to the public at his office in Wisma Innoprise, here, Wednesday.

The festival which will be held at the Sabah Cultural Centre in Penampang, is an initiative by the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry through the Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS). It aims to promote culture tourism among the participating countries through a prestigious international event. It is also to promote Sabah as an attractive tourist destination in Asia in line with the slogan, 'Malaysia Truly Asia', says LKNS in a statement. SIFF was first held in 2001, then in 2004, 2007, and 2009. Last year, it was participated by 11 countries including Malaysia (Negeri Sembilan troupe) and the Philippines, which won the Overall Winner title through its Tacloban Performing Arts Group. LKNS plans to hold this event annually from this year. A local folkdance competition will be held on July 21 and 22 from 7pm at the Sabah Cultural Centre, with the tickets priced at RM20 (premier class), RM10 (adults) and RM5 (under 17 years old).

There will be a prime show at Magellan, Sutera Harbour Resort on July 23, where Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah is expected to attend. The international folkdance competition involving SIFF participants will be held on July 24 and 25 (finals), from 8pm at the Sabah Cultural Centre. The tickets are priced at RM50 (premier class), RM30 (adults) and RM10 (under 17 years old). The tickets can be obtained from the LKNS office in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Cultural Centre, Murut Cultural Centre in Tenom, and the Board's branches in Kota Belud, Kudat and Sandakan.