Tamparuli lass Atitih is this year's Unduk Ngadau
PENAMPANG: Atitih Yatih Robert was crowned Sabah's Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan for this year at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA Hall, Penampang, here.
The 26-year-old, who represented the Tamparuli district, brought home RM17,500 in cash, a crown, a trophy, scholarships and sponsored items.
Clad in the traditional Dusun Tenghilan attire, Pinialap, she wowed the judges during the question and answer session when she responded fluently in the Dusun language to two questions.
Present to crown the new Unduk Ngadau was the wife of Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.
First runner-up went to Elka Alika Pijeh, representing Tambunan, while Celarin Jenny, representing Kiulu, took third place.
The two took home RM13,000 and RM10,500 respectively, along with other sponsored items.
In fourth place was Rini Aswanda Jukilin (Beluran), followed by Steavaynie Ginadus (Beaufort) in fifth, Jenylin Janis (Ranau) in sixth, and Evanatie Sannie (Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) in seventh.
They received RM8,000; RM6,000; RM5,000; and RM4,000 respectively, as well as scholarships and other sponsored items.
A total of 51 Kadazandusun beauties from across Sabah and Kadazan KDCA branches participated in this year's competition.
The Unduk Ngadau pageant is one of the Kaamatan highlights, celebrating Huminodun, a maiden who was sacrificed by her father, Kinoingan, to save the people from famine and bring about a bountiful harvest.
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The Star
7 hours ago
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Getting crowned on the second try
KOTA KINABALU: Eight years ago, she walked away empty-handed. This year, she walked away with the crown. Atitih Yatih Robert of Tamparuli was crowned the 65th Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan at the Hongkod Koisaan on May 31, a traditional beauty pageant held in conjunction with the Kaamatan harvest festival. The 26-year-old emerged the winner among 51 finalists from across Sabah and beyond, including participants from the Klang Valley, Putrajaya and Johor. A graduate of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Education (Bahasa Malaysia), Atitih is currently awaiting her teacher placement. She first entered the pageant in 2017 at age 18, representing Kota Marudu, where she placed in the top 15 and was named Miss Popular Unduk Ngadau Sabah – a victory that nevertheless sparked disappointment among fans. 'I know many were disappointed back then. They asked me to return and this time, I gave it my all,' Atitih said. After an eight-year hiatus to focus on her academic and career goals, she made a comeback with renewed purpose – this time representing Tamparuli, where she was crowned the district's Unduk Ngadau. Her maternal family traces its lineage back to Kampung Ruminding, Kiulu, in the Tuaran district, where her late grandmother Sungkim Elohoban once lived. Many of her relatives, including the current village chief, are still based there. Atitih's return to the stage wasn't easy. In the five months leading up to the pageant, she lost over 10kg by practising regular workouts and a strict diet. 'That was my biggest challenge,' she admitted. 'I used to weigh about 70kg. I loved sweets – especially chocolate – but I made the decision to commit,' she said, adding that she pushed through even though there were moments when she felt like fainting from hunger. 'It's not just about appearance. I wanted to show discipline and that I was serious.' She also worked on building her confidence and overcoming deep-seated shyness. Atitih has been active in traditional dance, singing, acting and poetry recitation throughout her university life. She also held leadership roles, including in the Sabah Student Association at UPM and Persatuan Siswazah Sabah di Semenanjung (G3S), where she promoted cultural pride among Sabahan youth. She wore a traditional dress from Tenghilan known as the Pinialap, making her the first contestant to ever showcase the design at the Unduk Ngadau stage – a nod to both her heritage and pride in her team. Atitih took home RM15,000 in cash, a tiara, a UNK2025 sash, a trophy, bouquet and other prizes including scholarships, skincare products, dental treatments, free hotel stays and airline tickets. Held annually as the highlight of the Kaamatan Festival, the Unduk Ngadau pageant is a cultural tradition cherished by the Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) community – symbolising beauty, sacrifice and the legacy of Huminodun. This year also marked a turning point for the pageant with the introduction of e-Unduk, a digital scoring system developed by Sabahan IT expert Aedeshie Daisy Rayner. The organising committee described the system as an innovation that enhances the traditional scoring framework using scientific algorithms – a move they say will ensure greater fairness and credibility in the judging process. As the curtains closed on the final night, cheers erupted for the top seven finalists who stood tall on stage – each carrying the pride of their districts and the spirit of Kaamatan. Joining Atitih were Elka Alika Pijeh (Tambunan) as first runner-up and Celarin Jenny (Kiulu) as second runner-up. Rini Swanda Jukilin (Beluran), Steavaynie Ginadus (Beaufort), Jenylin Janis (Ranau) and Evanatie Sannie (Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) were the other finalists.
Daily Express
16 hours ago
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Sabah steals her heart: Sandra Lim's Kaamatan journey beyond the spotlight
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Lim (right) poses for a photo with the top three winners of this year's UNK, UNK 2024 Hyellene Danius (left), and popular singer Stacy Anam (second left) after the crowning ceremony. - Pic via social media PENAMPANG: When Miss Universe Malaysia 2024 Sandra Lim touched down in Sabah to join this year's Kaamatan festivities, few expected the reigning queen to blend so seamlessly into the cultural spirit of the harvest festival. But for the 25-year-old beauty queen and proud Malaysian, it was not just another appearance – it was a deeply personal journey of learning, connecting, and celebrating the richness of Sabah's indigenous heritage. Attending the State-level Kaamatan Festival from May 29 to 31, Lim made headlines not just for her title but for donning traditional outfits from various ethnic groups – Murut, Lundayeh and Kadazan Penampang – and even sporting the iconic 'sanggul gong' during the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) finals, a hairstyle synonymous with the cultural pageant. 'It gives me so much joy and pride to wear these traditional garments, carrying the beautiful history of our people in Sabah,' she said, visibly moved in one of her Instagram posts. 'The efforts by the organisers to preserve and showcase these cultures are incredibly inspiring.' Lim's Kaamatan experience was not a mere photo opportunity. From cheering finalists at the Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan (RTK) male pageant to dancing with the crowd at the KDCA hall, she immersed herself in every beat, every bite, and every banner. 'The music, the dance, the food, the people – the experience of a lifetime. 'Thank you for welcoming me with such warmth and love. Makan-makan, menari bersama-sama (Having a meal and dance together), bringing me in like family,' she posted after her walkabout at the KDCA ground on May 30. Having competed on the world stage just months earlier in Mexico, where she placed in the Top 30 at Miss Universe 2024 – Malaysia's best result in over half a century – Lim found unexpected resonance in Sabah's homegrown pageantry scene. 'The whole vibe brought me back to my first international competition in Indonesia. Everyone was so packed and so passionate,' she recalled when met after the UNK 2025 crowning. Observing the Unduk Ngadau finalists, Lim shared how the magic of pageantry often shines brightest onstage. 'You only see the X-factor when they walk out – the way they carry themselves, talk, smile. "The winner (Tamparuli's Atitih Yati Robert) was my pick from the start,' she smiled, proving her eye for talent remains sharp. Lim, who holds a degree in mass communications and has a background in martial arts and modelling, is no stranger to hard work. Her recent success in Miss Universe 2024, where she dazzled judges with a wushu routine in a national costume inspired by Princess Walinong Sari, brought her international acclaim. Yet back home, it is her groundedness that endears her most. 'I think the whole of Malaysia should learn from Sabah. 'The passion here, the meaning behind every culture – that is something we should carry into our future," she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
21 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Story of Huminodun and meaning of Kaamatan
State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025, Tati Atitih Yatih Robert, representing the district of Tamparuli, with her fellow top seven finishers. As May came to a close with the newest Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 crowned, the echoes of gongs faded into the cool Sabahan evening. The final cheers of the crowd rang out at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall (KDCA) in Penampang, where the climax of Kaamatan 2025 had just unfolded. Laughter and music gave way to quiet reflection as families returned home, their hearts full from a month-long celebration that brought villages and cities to life. Once again, Sabah had come together, united in thanksgiving, in joy, and in memory. And as the dust settled from traditional dances, spirited singing and cultural showcases, what lingered was the spirit of a story, a story that has defined Kaamatan for generations. At the heart of this grand harvest celebration lies an ancient and sacred tale, the story of Huminodun. It is a story passed down through generations of Kadazandusun elders, whispered over firelight, retold at community gatherings and honoured in sacred rites. Long ago, the world was a very different place. The land was young, and the people lived under the benevolent care of Kinoingan and his wife, Suminundu, divine beings who watched over humanity with love. They nurtured the earth and taught the people to live in harmony with nature. But harmony was shattered when a great famine descended. Crops failed, rivers ran dry, and the soil could no longer bear fruit. The people suffered, crying out in anguish as starvation threatened to wipe them out. Kinoingan, heartbroken by the suffering of his creation, searched for a solution. It was then that he realised only a great sacrifice could save the world. And that sacrifice would have to come from someone divine, someone pure of heart. His only daughter, Huminodun, a radiant young woman known for her grace, wisdom and compassion, stepped forward. Seeing the pain of her people, she offered herself willingly, knowing that her death would restore life to the earth. Kinoingan wept, but he honoured her bravery. Huminodun's body was laid to rest in the ground, and from it sprang rice, the sacred grain that became the lifeblood of the Kadazandusun people. Her flesh became nourishment and her spirit, 'Bambazon,' now dwells in every grain of rice. This divine sacrifice is the spiritual foundation of Kaamatan. It is not just a harvest festival; it is a remembrance, a thanksgiving and a renewal. Every time rice is planted or harvested, every time it is eaten, the people remember Huminodun. Her story is a testament to the belief that from selflessness springs abundance, and that life is a gift not to be taken for granted. Although rooted in ancient beliefs, Kaamatan today has evolved into a vibrant and inclusive celebration that brings together Sabahans from all walks of life. Traditionally observed by the Kadazandusun community, it is now embraced by nearly every ethnic group in the state: the Murut, Rungus, Lundayeh, Tatana, Tidong, Bisaya, Bajau, Chinese and others, each contributing their own colours, music, food, and language to the month-long celebration. It is a cultural mosaic bound together by shared gratitude and mutual respect. At the spiritual heart of Kaamatan is the Magavau, a sacred ritual led by the 'Bobohizan,' the high priestess of the Kadazandusun. She calls forth the spirit of Bambazon in an ancient ceremony filled with chants and offerings, ensuring that the rice spirit remains content and that the cycle of fertility continues. Although fewer communities today practise the Magavau, its symbolism remains strong, reminding all of the sacred relationship between humanity and the earth. Complementing these sacred elements are the rich cultural expressions that make Kaamatan such a joyful celebration. The Sumazau, Sabah's most iconic traditional dance, sees dancers move with slow, birdlike grace to the rhythm of gongs. Traditional attires, elaborately beaded and finely embroidered, fill community halls with a kaleidoscope of colours. Villages host friendly competitions in traditional sports, while food stalls offer everything from hinava to linopot, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the land. Among the most eagerly anticipated highlights of Kaamatan is the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant, a unique cultural event held in honour of Huminodun herself. District winners from across Sabah and other parts of Malaysia gather to compete, not merely in beauty, but in cultural knowledge, poise, and the embodiment of Huminodun's virtues. The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, crowned at the peak of Kaamatan, is not just a beauty queen; she is a cultural ambassador, a living symbol of grace, sacrifice and continuity. In recent years, another event has added new dimension to the festivities: the Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan, formerly known as Mister Kaamatan. This male cultural pageant, which has been rebranded to Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan from next year onwards, celebrates young Sabahan men who exemplify strength, cultural awareness and community leadership. Contestants compete not only in physique but in their understanding of heritage, language and values. The emergence of Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan alongside Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan reflects the modern celebration's balance, honouring both masculine and feminine contributions to community and traditions. No less exciting is the Sugandoi Kaamatan, a singing competition that draws vocal talents from across Sabah. Held at district and state levels, the Sugandoi Kaamatan gives voice to the rich musical traditions of the people. Contestants sing in native languages and often perform songs that carry the rhythms and stories of their ancestors. For many, winning Sugandoi Kaamatan is not just a personal triumph; it is a chance to preserve their culture through the power of song. In a festival so deeply rooted in oral tradition, Sugandoi Kaamatan keeps storytelling alive in one of its most beautiful forms. Kaamatan has also grown to become an expression of unity. In a state defined by its ethnic and religious diversity, Kaamatan is a space where all are welcome. It is common to see Muslims and Christians, rural villagers and urban professionals, young and old coming together to celebrate. Cultural exhibitions, community open houses and public performances create opportunities for mutual understanding, bridging generations and backgrounds. It is, in many ways, a blueprint for harmony, showing that cultural pride and inclusiveness can coexist. Beyond the dancing, singing and pageantry, Kaamatan is a powerful reaffirmation of identity. As globalisation and modernity threaten to erode traditional practices, this festival serves as a living classroom where the youth learn the meaning of their customs. It is an opportunity for older generations to pass down stories, rituals and skills, not just to preserve them, but to breathe new life into them. In this sense, Kaamatan is not only a celebration of the harvest, but a harvest of culture itself. It is also a time of economic vitality. As Sabahans travel to their hometowns or flock to celebration grounds, rural and local economies benefit. Artisans sell traditional crafts, farmers showcase their produce and young entrepreneurs use the festive spirit to market everything from food to fashion. Tourists, both local and foreign, are drawn to the rich tapestry of sights, sounds and flavours, making Kaamatan one of the most significant cultural attractions in the region. Yet, when the last gong sounds and the lights dim, what remains is the story of Huminodun, a reminder that from sacrifice comes sustenance, and from gratitude comes unity. Her spirit, said to dwell in every grain of rice, continues to nourish the people, not just physically, but spiritually. In honouring her, Sabahans reaffirm their connection to the land, to each other, and to the timeless values of compassion, selflessness and resilience. I brought my young Chinese friend Ben to KDCA to experience Kaamatan firsthand. Although he is a Sabahan, he had only heard of the festival in passing and was unfamiliar with its deeper cultural significance. Our visit opened his eyes to the richness of this celebration. He thoroughly enjoyed the day, starting with the Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan contest, where he was captivated by the vibrant performances. He sampled lihing, explored the traditional houses that showcased the diverse heritage of Sabah's indigenous communities, and even bought a beautiful bead necklace and a traditional headband as keepsakes. It was a meaningful and immersive introduction to the spirit of Kaamatan. With Kaamatan 2025 over, the people of Sabah carry forward not only the joy of celebration but the weight of legacy. From ancient story to modern festivity, the journey of Kaamatan is one of cultural endurance and spiritual truth. It is a celebration not only of what is harvested from the land but what is cherished in the heart. Footnote Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skill Training and Investment Consultants. His Kaamatan activities included conducting public speaking talks to Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan contestants, judging the contest at district levels and helping to set the questions for the Q & A segment of the State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025. His views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post
