KOTA KINABALU: Ethnic associations in Sabah are urged to continue promoting their cultures and languages to avoid extinction due to globalisation.

       “This is important so that our richness of cultures will not be sidelined with growing technology in the modern world.

       "We must not allow any ethnic group to go extinct just like that without realising. I believe there are still many dance and music cultures in this state that we can learn and highlight," said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

       He said this when officiating the Riuh Bah! Bersama Hotlink programme at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Friday night (June 3).

       In relation to that, he reiterated that Music Rights Sabah Berhad (MRS) which is the music licensing body certified by the state government early this year, was to take care of the local artists' welfare.

       Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (second right) when officiating Riuh Bah! Bersama Hotlink programme on Friday night, with Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa (right).

       "The formation of MRS in January was timely to give voices and defend local talents, where it could conduct royalty collection representing singers, musicians, music video producers and recording companies involving ethnic (music) in this state.

       "The formation of the body is hoped to encourage Sabahan artists to continue with producing their masterpieces and elevate the local music industry," he said.

       On the three-day event, he said he hoped the government initiative would help to boost the creative industry-related economic activities.

       The event was part of 'Kembara Riuh Keluarga Malaysia’, the brainchild of Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

       Meanwhile, Annuar said the creative industry in Sabah has the potential to be developed to the extent of bringing glory to the country.

       With Borneo anticipated to become a new important centre when Indonesia move its capital to Kalimantan, the Ministry and telecommunication companies are focused on bettering telecommunication facilities and services in Sabah.