Bamboo fencing, Mukim houses: Kaamatan Fest launch in Tambunan relives the past
Published on: Sun, May 04, 2025
By: Johan Aziz Text Size: Bamboo fencing along the road from Tangaban to Kiawaian. TAMBUNAN: One of the main attractions at the launch of this year's Kaamatan Festival, here was the Mukim House competition, formerly known as 'Pondok-Pondok Mukim'. Eight mukim houses, including one representing the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) participated. 'This competition aimed to present the uniqueness of traditional food, handicrafts and decorations that made full use of environmental resources – reflecting how the previous communities celebrated Kaamatan Festival with a spirit of simplicity and togetherness,' said Datuk Arlnsia Angang, Political Secretary to Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. 'The effort to upgrade these huts to permanent structures is among Dr Jeffrey's great contributions. Now, these mukim houses can be used as homestays or boarding houses, thus opening up new economic opportunities for the residents,' said Arlnsia.
She said such programmes should be continued every year to uphold the cultural heritage of their ancestors and become a foundation for strong unity among the community. 'This event also opens an opportunity to promote the uniqueness of Sabah's culture internationally,' she said. The state-level Kaamatan, which attracts thousands of visitors, was launched by Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. Hajiji described that the Kaamatan Festival celebrations is among the important events for the people of Sabah, which not only aims to strengthen ties and unity among the diverse ethnic and religious groups but also serves to express gratitude for a good harvest. Among the initiatives that received praise included the active participation of the community in the celebration at the mukim level, the construction of bamboo fences along the road from Tangaban to Kiawaian.
Various interesting events were also held in conjunction with the launch ceremony which took place on Thursday at Dataran Pisompuruan, including the Magavau ceremony, cultural performances, singing performances, exhibitions of traditional cuisine and local handicrafts, and exhibitions from state and federal government departments. The highlight of the event was the Unduk Ngadau Competition which featured 17 participants. Elka Alika Pijeh from Mukim Lintuhun was crowned kaamatan Unduk Ngadau for the Tambunan district-level followed by second place Einnawenda Wenceslaus from Mukim Kirokot and third place Steavaynie Gindus from Mukim Nambayan. Also present were KDCA President, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Deputy Chief Minister I and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan; Deputy Chief Minister II and Minister of Local Works and Housing, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam; District Officer, Sobitun Makajil; Cabinet Ministers, Assistant Ministers, heads of State and Federal government departments and community leaders. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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