Unity in Festivity: Jamawi Walks Through Tenom Town

14 February 2026

TENOM: Melalap State Assemblyman Datuk Jamawi Jaafar reaffirmed his appreciation for the Chinese community’s continued support during a Chinese New Year walkabout held across Tenom town on Friday.

The programme, which began at Dewan Datuk Seri Panglima Antanom and concluded at Malleh Square, drew participation from local residents and community leaders.

Jamawi said the Chinese New Year 2026 Walkabout for the Melalap constituency provided a meaningful platform to foster unity and harmony among the area’s diverse communities, including the Chinese, Murut, Dusun and Lundayeh.

“The programme is not only about celebrating the festive season together, but also about going to the ground to engage with the people and better understand their needs,” he told reporters.

Mandarin oranges were distributed to members of the Chinese community and the public as a symbolic gesture of goodwill and prosperity.

Jamawi, who is also Sabah’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, was accompanied by his wife as they mingled with residents and well-wishers along the walkabout route.

He expressed gratitude for the Chinese community’s longstanding support in the Melalap constituency and pledged continued efforts to celebrate the state’s multicultural traditions.

The public has been invited to attend the Melalap Chinese New Year 2026 celebration at Malleh Square on Sunday (15 February), where a range of festive activities has been planned.

Among those present were Tenom Hakka Association chairman Datuk Yong Oi Kiang; SM Chung Hwa Board of Management chairman Datuk Eng Tet Hau; District Chief OKK Tusib Tulas; Melalap Community Development Leader Denesly Justin; and local Chinese community leaders.