Latest news with #HarvestQueen
The Star
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Kaamatan celebrates heritage, promotes cultural preservation, unity, says Kitingan
KOTA KINABALU: Kaamatan is a platform to not only celebrate heritage but also to promote cultural preservation, unity and women empowerment, says Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I, who is also this year's State Kaamatan Festival organising chairman, said events surrounding this festival, including the Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Queen), help to introduce Sabah's rich cultural heritage and boost local economy. 'The Unduk Ngadau pageant is not only a competition of beauties but acts as a form of cultural, nature and economic promotion for local communities,' he said. Kitingan said this after officiating at the Sodop Unduk Ngadau (gala night) at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang, Thursday (May 29). He said the Unduk Ngadau participants are now considered as influencers in their own right, promoting local products, showcasing cultural identities and bringing social and economical impacts to the community. "This year's Kaamatan for All theme shows the state's commitment in celebrating the festival in an inclusive, harmonious and diverse manner," he said. 'As the Kaamatan festival enters its 65th year, it becomes a symbol of unity and cultural treasure which has to be preserved and protected regardless of race, religion or creed,' said Kitingan. He took the opportunity to thank everyone who have and continue to work hard to make this event a success, as well as to all for being part of this tradition-preservation initiative. Also present were the wife of Sabah's Head of State, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, the Chief Minister's wife Datin Juliah Salag, Huguan Siou (paramount leader of the Kadazandusun Murut natives) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, KDCA Women Council chairman Datuk Joanna Kitingan and the Unduk Ngadau 2025 co-chairman Mary Gambidau.
The Star
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Sabah allocates RM13.66mil for cultural heritage
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's RM13.66mil allocation for preserving cultural heritage and arts is for future generations, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said heritage such as the traditional attire of Sabah's ethnic groups should be inherited today and protected for future generations. "I hope interest in our cultural heritage can be maintained and passed down from one generation to the next," he said on Saturday (April 26) during the Tuaran district-level Sodop Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan programme. Hajiji said participants of the Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Queen) pageant should seize the chance to become ambassadors for preserving the culture, language, and traditions of the Kadazandusun ethnic group. He said the programme is not just a traditional fashion competition but an important platform to preserve, uplift, and dignify cultural heritage. 'This is particularly so in showcasing aspects of traditional attire rich in aesthetic value, symbolism, and history of the Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus (KDMR) communities,' he said. "Events like this can also provide opportunities for local ethnic fashion designers to generate income through their creativity and creations," said Hajiji. He said traditional attire is not just clothing but symbolises the identity, social status, values, and traditions of a community. For example, the Tuaran district is known for its Linangkit embroidery, where each stitch, motif, and colour carries its own meaning and story, he explained. "We must appreciate and promote this art to the younger generation and society," Hajiji said. "This competition also supports the state government's efforts to strengthen cultural tourism through promoting local heritage,' he added. He said the uniqueness of the Kadazandusun ethnic attire can attract attention both at the state and international levels. The Chief Minister said the theme for this year's Kaamatan Festival, "Kaamatan For All", carries significant meaning, as the spirit of Kaamatan is for all people of Sabah.
