KLF Book Writing Competition Lauded
- nabalunews
- 20 minutes ago
- 2 min read
23 February 2026
PENAMPANG: Winners of the recent book writing competition have expressed their happiness with the results and thanked the Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF) for organising the event.
The winner was Neomi Salikup from Kg Taginambur, Tamparuli, whose book titled 'Sondihon Do Koposion' secured first prize of RM7,500.
She believes that winning the competition provides great encouragement to continue writing in the Kadazandusun language for future contests.
Neomi shared that she had entered the competition for the fifth time and was pleasantly surprised to be awarded first place. Previously, she had only received consolation prizes.
"I hope the material I submitted will be utilised by the KLF as reading material for young people, especially secondary school students," she said. She added that external influences are strong and could negatively impact young people's use of their mother tongue.
She also mentioned that writing in Kadazandusun is challenging due to its different spelling compared to Malay.
Regarding her writing process, she said she needs to be in the right mood; sometimes she can write all day, while at other times she cannot write at all due to distractions.
Beyond providing Kadazandusun literature for readers, she hopes her work will help preserve the language by sharing it with the wider public.
Edna Stacy Sumandi from Kg Tomboilik, Tenghilan, won second prize with her book 'Ngingis Kalangadan', receiving RM4,500. She described it as an honour to be recognised for her work. Her book is about time travel.
"I thank the organisers for this opportunity to participate in the competition, and I hope it will continue in the future so that more books in the Kadazandusun language will be available for readers," she said. This was her first time entering the competition, and she intends to participate again.
The third prize went to Priscilla Moses Gukim from Kg Togudon, Penampang, for her book ' Tomoimo Id Ginavo' which earned her RM3,000. She is a teacher specialising in ethnic languages at SK Putaton, Penampang.
For her, writing the book was quite emotional, as it tells the story of a cancer survivor, aiming to help readers understand and cope with the journey of a cancer patient.
She too lauded KLF and hoped that it would be continued as it was a source of encouragement to writers like her.
There were seven consolation prizes of RM750 each, awarded to Faveyana Linos from Kg Tombongon, Menggatal; Leolarry Lajius from Kg Tudan Lama, Ranau; Adrian Soidi from Kg Bundu Tuhan, Ranau; Ainah Gimir from Kg Tobobon, Kiulu, Tuaran; Witer Gunik from Kg Marakau, Ranau; Neomi Jemmy @ Edward from Kg Koliasan Moyog, Penampang; and Angela Peter from Kg Kibabaig, Penampang.
