PENAMPANG: The iconic Sigah monument at the roundabout in Donggongon will be demolished to make way for a flyover that is expected to start construction soon.

But before the demolition is carried out, the Kadazan Dusun community in the district on Saturday conducted the ‘mamason’ and ‘mogimpi’ ritual to appease the spirits that have taken residence in the monument which is the landmark of Penampang.

Leaders from the Kadazan and Dusun community gathered at the Sigah roundabout at 10am to witness the ritual which was conducted by bobolians (priests and priestesses) and a spiritual medium from Penampang, Papar and Tuaran.

It was learnt that the spirits had ‘requested’ for a pig to be sacrificed at the site and it was done after the bobolians offered some prayers through chants as well some offerings.

The group then headed to the location, about 100 metres away, where a new Sigah monument would be constructed.

Here, the bobolians also offered prayers and offerings of padi and rice wine.

According to Persatuan Bobolian Sabah president Datuk Stephen Boliku, who was present at the ceremony, through the medium, the spirits residing in the Sigah were informed that they would be relocated to the new monument or to a location of their preference.

“In the past, there have been numerous accidents in this area and some believe that the spirits residing in the Sigah had a part to play in that. So, with the assistance of the bobolian, we appeal to the spirits to stop ‘disturbing’ the area.

“In the past, the spirits demanded blood offering, therefore the pig was sacrificed here today (Feb 11) to appease those guarding the Sigah monument,” he said.

According to Boliku, the sacrifice was conducted to also ensure that the construction work of the flyover will be smooth and safe.

The current Sigah monument was constructed in 2008 and is the landmark for Penampang.