Kaamatan Festival: No beer at traditional houses, stalls cheaper, stricter rules

Borneo Post

22-05-2025

Jeffrey (centre) speaking at the press conference.
KOTA KINABALU (May 22): Several changes will be made for this year's state level Kaamatan festival on May 30 and 31 at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) compound.
KDCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said they have added the 14th traditional house on the compound, which is from the Tobilung ethnic group.
Jeffrey informed that no beer will be served at the traditional houses this year, but those seeking such refreshments can still find them at the commercial stalls.
He explained that this is because from May 29 to 30, these houses will instead truly showcase Sabah's traditional food, drinks, outfit and music.
In addition, he said the rent for the permanent stalls on the grounds will be reduced to a maximum RM5,000 per stall instead of RM7,000 last year.
As for the canopy stalls, the lowest rent starts at RM2,500 each.
Jeffrey, who is also the organising chairman for the celebration, said they are also tightening enforcement this year to prevent any unruly behaviour or untoward incidents.
He said the stall operators have been warned to cease playing loud music past 1am or risk being fined, following yearly complaints from surrounding neighbourhoods.
Last year, six traditional houses were compounded RM1,000 each by the Penampang Municipal Council for the offence.
Jeffrey also advised those attending the celebration to practice decorum, in light of an incident a couple years back where attendees were seen dancing on tables.
He added that security personnel and People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) will be placed at the site to keep things in check, and their enforcement team will take appropriate action on any wrongdoers caught.
'We do not tolerate unruly behaviours. All the operators have been warned about the matter.
'Do not overdo things when celebrating, be it drinking, eating, dancing or singing.
'Be careful on the road and take care of your safety. Celebrate responsibly,' he told a press conference at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort here Thursday.
Jeffrey also said this year's Kaamatan Festival is an important platform to further enhance the tourism industry, thus boosting the people's economy in Sabah.
The state-level 2025 Kaamatan Festival Main Committee chairman expects many industry players and foreign agencies to converge on all the districts in Sabah to jointly enliven its celebration.
'This is what we want the festival to be, a platform to spur Sabah's tourism and economy and our goal has become a reality with an increase in the number of investors during this season,' he said.
He added that, so far, all the various programmes implemented in conjunction with the Kaamatan month were running smoothly.
'I can see that the district-level launching of the Kaamatan Festival went smoothly and I want to thank all parties, particularly the main committee which has played a significant role in ensuring the festival runs smoothly. I hope this momentum can be maintained until the festival ends on May 31,' he said.
Jeffrey said that this year, the traditional houses at the KDCA would be used as an open house for the public.
'So, we invite everyone to visit the 14 traditional houses so that we can all learn more about our heritage and culture,' he added.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate the Kaamatan festival on May 30, while Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman will close the celebration on May 31.