29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Engineer crowned Mr Kaamatan champion
PENAMPANG: Mike Melvin Lee Larry, who represented Ranau, emerged as the winner of Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan (BTK) 2025 or Mr Kaamatan, a prestigious male cultural pageant held in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival.
The 24-year-old assistant district engineer walked away with prizes worth more than RM120,000, including RM10,000 in cash, a handcrafted sigah (the traditional Kadazandusun headgear), and other sponsored items.
The first runner-up was Bryan Soo, representing Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, while Arnold Jaideh from Kota Belud came in third.
They received prizes valued at RM70,000 and RM60,000 respectively, including cash awards of RM5,000 and RM4,000.
Completing the top seven were Fachai Sikana (Nabawan), Reccarlo Divann Rex (Matunggong), Stephen Sibir Junior (Penampang), and Macknouel Munis (Putatan), who also received cash and sponsored prizes.
Speaking to the press after the event yesterday, Mike admitted that he had not expected to win.
"I was actually not interested in joining this competition at first.
"However, due to encouragement from my parents, family, and friends, I willingly and openly decided to take part.
"I realised that, as young people, we must continue the legacy of our own cultural heritage here in Sabah," said Mike, who modelled the Garung Lapoi of Dusun Liwan Ranau during the competition.
He described BTK as an important platform for promoting indigenous identity and urged more youth to take part.
"This isn't just a pageant — it's a call to uphold our traditions."
Mike said he plans to work closely with the BTK organisers to realise his manifesto, which includes organising a programme called Citra Budaya Generasi Muda, aimed at engaging youth through cultural education and outreach.
"I hope that this victory can change my life.
"As a winner, I also hope to become a good leader for the next generation, both directly and indirectly," he said.
First introduced in 2008, BTK was officially recognised this year as a permanent annual event under the main committee of the state-level Kaamatan Festival.
The event celebrates the cultural richness of Sabah's Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) communities and aims to groom future cultural ambassadors with strong leadership qualities, heritage knowledge, and pride in their roots.
