Latest news with #2025SabahState-LevelKaamatanFestivalCelebration
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Solar streetlights for all Sabah villages
Anwar speaking to Pairin (right) while Hajiji (left) looks on at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA Hall.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (May 30): Solar-powered streetlights will be installed in nearly all villages and rural areas in Sabah starting this year. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as part of the federal government's immediate efforts to expand basic amenities for rural communities. He stated that this measure was implemented after discovering that previous proposals involved excessively high costs. Now, the government has successfully formulated a more practical and feasible plan to be carried out in phases using solar technology. 'We are starting in Sabah. Almost all villages will have solar-powered streetlights this year. They are affordable yet bright, and I have approved the necessary allocation,' he said during his speech at the official opening of the 2025 Sabah State-Level Kaamatan Festival Celebration at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall (KDCA) on Friday. In his address, Anwar emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the state and federal governments, stating that Sabah's demands are now being heard directly in national development meetings such as the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan. This new approach reflects a major shift in development policy formulation, which is no longer entirely decided at the federal ministry level without direct consideration of state needs. 'That is why, if we want Sabah to progress, there must be a spirit to build Sabah's strength and do this together with a sense of unity within one nation,' he said. He also assured that the Federal Government is ready to discuss revenue-sharing matters with the Sabah State Government, as previously agreed with Sarawak, including oil and gas issues. 'I have no problem prioritizing revenue for Sabah, but let the negotiations be conducted harmoniously, not through shouting and cursing. I suggest working together with the State Government and cooperating with the Federal Government so that the benefits reach the people,' he added. Anwar also praised the spirit of unity among Sabah's diverse ethnic groups and the role of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in preserving the heritage and noble values of the local community. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya and KDCA President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
PM to officiate Kaamatan Festival
Jeffrey (fifth from right) presenting a souvenir to Tun Musa. -Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (May 19): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to attend the 2025 Sabah State-Level Kaamatan Festival Celebration on May 30. Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, who is also the chairman of the 2025 State-Level Kaamatan Festival Celebration Main Committee, stated that Anwar will officiate the festival on that day. 'Meanwhile, the official closing ceremony of the state-level Kaamatan Festival will be presided over by the Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, on May 31. 'The purpose of our visit to Tun Musa was to brief him on the closing ceremony of Kaamatan, as well as the activities and programs scheduled for that day,' he told the media after meeting Tun Musa at Istana Seri Kinabalu today. According to Jeffrey, the main events include cultural performances, visits to traditional houses at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Centre, and the Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Queen) competition in the afternoon. This year's Kaamatan theme, 'Kaamatan For All', reflects hopes for a smooth and vibrant celebration with the participation of local and international visitors. He added that the festival will also welcome foreign visitors, including those from Kalimantan, as well as ambassadors and investors. 'Kaamatan is an important platform to boost Sabah's economy. That's why the government has allocated significant funds to support various activities not only in Sabah but also in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. 'The Kaamatan celebration has now become a national-level festival, greatly impacting the economy and tourism sectors,' he explained. He also noted that the festival benefits small-scale rural entrepreneurs and promotes local products on a broader scale. 'I believe the impact of Kaamatan extends beyond domestic borders — it's national and even international,' he added. Also present were Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Peto Galim and the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong.
