Pitas aims to break world records this Chinese New Year

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s northernmost Pitas district will attempt to break various regional and world records in conjunction with this Chinese New Year despite its title being among Malaysia’s poorest districts.

In 2016, the Malaysia Book of Records acknowledged the district for orchestrating the “Longest Non-stop Chinese New Year Events Celebrations”. It spanned 168 hours.

This time, Pitas would attempt to break that record and dedicate a day to break six additional records.

Among the regional and world records the district would attempt to break are the longest non-stop traditional music performance by the Kimaragang ethnic group, most participants in bamboo walking by the Tombonuo ethnic group, and the longest silat performance with the most participants.

The organising committee led by Asdi @ Mohd Faizal Hussin, who represented the Pitas district officer, had recently met with Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai to brief him on the 16-day event, which would start on Feb 9.

Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit was also present.

“We want to see Pitas flourish as a tourism destination despite its reputation as one of Sabah’s poorest districts, and the Sabah Tourism Board is committed to helping the district identify and promote its unique products or events,” Bangkuan said in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 10).

“We also suggest that the organiser invite tourism players in Pitas to actively participate in showcasing their products,” he said.

Meanwhile, Asdi said the event was short-lived last year because of heavy rain that led to its cancellation.

“Our return this year is even more exciting than before with an extensive line-up of exciting activities and with officials from the Asia and World Book of Records to evaluate our record attempts,” he said.

Throughout the 16-day festival, attendees can engage in various activities such as singing contests, beauty pageants, songwriting competitions, fashion shows, a “battle of the bands”, and a creative ethnic dance competition.

The festival also offers local businesses opportunities to showcase and sell their products.