A ceremony commemorating the first anniversary of the Mt. Kinabalu earthquake tragedy that claimed 18 lives last year will take place on June 5 at Kinabalu Park in Ranau.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said a monument measuring 4 feet X 2 feet made from falling rocks collected from the quake site would be launched at Kiau gate about one kilometre from the climb start-off point at Timpohon gate.

“The monument is to remember the 18 people who lost their lives in the June 5 earthquake last year and is a historical record of the event. We will ensure the plague remains in good condition at all times.

The US Embassy celebrated America’s 240th Independence Day anniversary in Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday.

US ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Yun (pic) said his country’s ties with Sabah was part of the great US-Malaysia engagement in recent years during which both nations had grown closer as exemplified by President Barack Obama’s visit to Kuala Lumpur twice in the last two years.

“Sabah holds a special place in my heart.

Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia Deputy President Zulkifli Mokti confirmed there will be no change in fuel prices for June.

This means that the price of RON95 fuel will remain at RM1.70 per litre, RON97 at RM2.05 and diesel at RM1.55.

The prices have remained the same since April.

The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry sets the prices of petrol and diesel on a managed float system, following the removal of fuel subsidies.

Cultural programmes like the Pesta Kaamatan or the Harvest Festival support the Sabah government’s efforts to unite the people in the state, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said such programmes gave the people the opportunity to foster closer ties, understand and respect each others customs and culture.

“In the context of the state government, we will always give total support to cultural programmes as we are convinced and believe that these programmes can foster unity among the general populace who are the backbone of peace in Sabah,” he said.

He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the state Pesta Kaamatan which was officiated by the Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin here Tuesday.

The text of his speech was read out by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

On the Pesta Kaamatan, a traditional celebration of the Kadazandusun Murut community held on May 30-31 each year, Musa said it always succeeded in gathering people of various races and ethnic groups who used the state public holiday to spend time with friends and families to celebrate the occasion.

“This is the best example of a plural society which is harmonious and close, and should be emulated by all parties regardless of political beliefs for the prosperity of all communities.

“I hope Pesta Kaamatan will continue to inspire and give strength to all of us to continue being united and strengthen unity so as to ensure stability, peace and prosperity of the people of Malaysia, especially in Sabah,” he said.

Musa added he was confident that the presence of people of all levels of society as well as local and foreign tourists during the festival was proof that Pesta Kaamatan represented the spirit of brotherhood, friendship, esprit de corps and unity.

He also urged all the people of Sabah to continue supporting the government’s efforts to develop the country.

The uniqueness of traditional sports can be highlighted not only as a cultural heritage, but also as attractive tourism products, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

However, he said that efforts to promote and spread their uniqueness still needed to be intensified whether at the domestic or international stage.

“In this context, I urge that effective measures be taken by everyone, not only by government departments and agencies, but also by the private sector and non-governmental organisations.

“Let us all work together to rekindle interest among the general public, particularly the younger generation, toward traditional sports,” he said when officiating the Kadazandusun Murut Traditional Sports and Exhibition in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival, here Monday.

Musa said the traditional sports portrayed the beauty of the ethnic cultures in Sabah and were capable of forging closer ties between the people of various races and religions.

“Our ability to live in peace and harmony has become our pride and awed tourists coming to this state.

“As such, we must have political stability, mutual love and respect to preserve this beauty,” he said.

Musa emphasised on the continued commitment of the state government to promote the uniqueness and treasures of the cultural heritage in the state which also needed the support of everyone.