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Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Malay Mail
Kaamatan: More than drinking and merrymaking, Sabah's iconic harvest festival celebrates cultural identity and community bonding
KOTA KINABALU, May 31 — Every year in May, the unmistakable sounds of the kulintangan and gongs echo across villages and hotspots in Sabah, signalling the month-long Kaamatan or harvest festival, arguably Sabah's most iconic festival. Held annually throughout May, culminating in the state-level celebration on May 30 and 31, Kaamatan has always held a special place in the hearts of Sabahans, especially the Kadazandusun, Murut, Rungus and other land-dwelling indigenous communities across Sabah. Although it recently had a reputation as a massive local drinking festival, Kaamatan is a deeply rooted cultural celebration of identity, history and communal harmony. Celebrated as a thanksgiving, it is essentially a time for gratitude, community and cultural preservation, evident not just in the long list of events and programmes organised by the state, but also in the family homecomings across the state. 'Kaamatan is not just about the rice harvest. It is about honouring our ancestors, our culture and our relationship with the land,' said Sabah deputy chief minister and Kaamatan main organising committee chairman Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan. Deputy Chief Minister and Kaamatan main organising committee chairman Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan highlights the festival's deep cultural significance, emphasising its role in honouring ancestors, preserving traditions, and strengthening the community's bond with the land. Rooted in sacrifice and thanksgiving At its spiritual core, Kaamatan commemorates the legend of Huminodun, the only daughter of the God Kinoingan and his wife Suminodun, Huminodun sacrificed herself to save the people during a time of famine when no rice or crops would grow. According to folklore, Huminodun's flesh and blood became rice, her head became coconuts, her fingers bananas, her teeth and hair became maize, her toes ginger, her skeleton sugar canes, her heart and intestines fruits of all types, her ears turned all types of vegetables and her soul became the rice spirit Bambarayon, which resides in rice stalks. That year, the harvest was the most plentiful so far and marked the beginning of Kaamatan to pay thanks to the rice gods and the Bambarayon spirit for the bountiful harvest but pay homage to the native beliefs, customary rules and traditions, and observances of the multi-ethnic Kadazandusuns. A significant aspect of the myth includes Huminodun's instruction that, before starting the harvest, Kinoingan should take seven stalks of paddy, tie them to one end of a spliced bamboo stick, plant them at the centre of the field, and then store them in the rice container after the harvest. These seven stalks of paddy symbolise the spirit of rice. To the Kadazandusuns, who are dependent on rice, to honour Huminodun's sacrifice was to honour the Bambarayon. Every year, during the Kaamatan festival, the 'Magavau ceremony' — a spiritual cleansing and renewal ceremony to call back the wandering rice spirit spread across the grains of rice — is performed by the elders and high priestesses (bobolian). This folklore has been passed down through generations and although such beliefs may have gotten lost or misinterpreted over time, one tribute that has remained and thrives is the Unduk Ngadau or harvest festival queen, to find a maiden from Sabah's many districts who possess similar beauty and character to that of Huminodun. The contestants usually have to be of Sabahan native descent and have fluent language skills and knowledge of the culture. The crowning of the Unduk Ngadau is among the highlights of the Kaamatan festival. A celebration for all Although celebrated at every district level, for many Sabahans the Kadazandusun Cultural Association building also known as Hongkod, is the Kaamatan icon. For two weeks every year, they play host to the state-wide Kaamatan celebration, drawing people from all walks of life — regardless of ethnicity or religion. The event culminates during the last two days of the month, turning into the centre of cultural celebrations. Aside from the crowning of the Unduk Ngadau, there is a singing competition (Sugandoi), traditional games such as arm wrestling (mipulos), tug-of-war (migazat dukug), buffalo trapping (monungkava kalabau), stilt walking (ram-panau), giant slipper (sipatu tompulanggoi), blowpipe shooting (monopuk), slingshot shooting (momolisitik), paddy carrying (mamagandal), rice pounding (tumutu), fire starting (mobpiri/mangapui) and spearing (manandus). Visitors can explore some 14 traditional houses from the various ethnic groups in the cultural village with their 'open house' concept, each showcasing their own costume, dance or music, as well as sample various foods and local brews. The Murut house — which features the lansaran, a trampoline made from bamboo — is always a crowd favourite. Within the cultural village, organiser Datuk Joseph Lantip said only local Sabahan products would be available for sale or showcased, like local brews, food, handicraft and others. Also, on the grounds of the KDCA is a lively festival with huge tent setups for mini concerts and entertainment. Many take to the tents to gather with friends and start merry-making early in the day to late night. For some, this is one of the highlights of the festival, an event and place to meet old friends and make new ones and bask in the Kaamatan vibe. A platform for unity among Sabahans Kaamatan is also seen as a time for reconciliation and unity. For a state as diverse as Sabah, it is a time when all races and ethnicities, ages and backgrounds can come together without care for their differences. It is common for Malay food stalls to be set up in between the beer tents and Muslims wearing the iconic Kadazan black velvet and gold trimmed costumes to cheer for their district's Unduk Ngadau representative. Entrepreneurs selling traditional food and clothing say Kaamatan is one of the best times for business, with high demand from diverse customers. Even cafes and restaurants have come up with Kaamatan promotions, offering local fares and new concoctions featuring Sabah's indigenous cuisine and ingredients. 'Kaamatan is not merely a nostalgic commemoration but a living tradition that adapts to contemporary realities. Young people, including those raised in urban areas, are increasingly participating in Kaamatan by learning traditional dances, speaking their mother tongues and taking part in cultural events,' said Richard Gontusan, a judge for the Unduk Ngadau Kepayan division. However, this year's celebration is slightly unique, as it comes at a time when the state gears up for its 17th state election, the event plays a role in bringing together not just its thirty or so indigenous groups but also its aspirations to the leaders. Beyond celebrating culture and identity, Kaamatan also provides a platform for local leaders to engage with communities — though they must navigate this carefully to avoid politicisation.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Kitingan misses Kaamatan launch because of medical reasons
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was noticeably absent from the official launch of the state-level Kaamatan celebration at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall on Friday (May 30). Kitingan, who also serves as the organising chairman of the month-long harvest festival, was said to have sprained his ankle, preventing him from attending the key cultural event that was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. An aide of Kitingan stated that he did not attend due to medical reasons. In his absence, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president, took the stage to deliver Kitingan's prepared speech to guests and dignitaries gathered for the launch. The Prime Minister, in his address, acknowledged Kitingan's absence and shared that he had personally reached out to the Sabah STAR president earlier in the day. 'I called Jeffrey Kitingan earlier this morning, and he is recovering well,' Anwar said. Kitingan's absence did not go unnoticed, especially amid heightened political speculation over the direction of Gabungan Sabah (GRS) ahead of the 17th Sabah state election. Political talk has been swirling that Kitingan might pull Sabah STAR out of GRS if Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor continues to push for the coalition to align with Pakatan Harapan. The Kaamatan Festival, celebrated annually throughout May, is one of Sabah's most important cultural events, particularly among the Kadazandusun and Murut communities. The presence of top leaders at its launch is typically seen as a show of unity, making Kitingan's absence all the more conspicuous.
The Star
5 days ago
- 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
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah STAR eyes 15 seats in state polls
Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan confirms they are eyeing 15 seats. KOTA KINABALU: Sabah STAR is eyeing about 15 seats in the upcoming state election as political parties begin staking their claims ahead of formal negotiations within the ruling coalition. Party president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said while PKR has announced its intention to contest 13 seats, DAP 10 and Amanah four, he described such declarations as "not unusual". Recently, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah vice president Datuk Masiung Banah had also hinted that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is eyeing at least 52 seats, leaving the remaining 21 to its potential partner. "This is normal in politics. Ideally, every party would want to contest all 73 seats. "Everyone has their own interests. There is nothing wrong with that,' he told reporters at the PETRONAS uplifting lives: Kaamatan 2025 handing over ceremony and exclusive preview of PETRONAS Kaamatan film on Tuesday (May 27). Asked on the number of seats Sabah STAR is targeting, Kitingan said: 'It is no secret, 15. As a party, we aim to compete. But of course, within the coalition, seat distribution is necessary. "We will divide the seats accordingly based on changes and the confidence we have in our chances of winning,' he added. Kitingan also addressed ongoing discussions with its allies in GRS, including with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS). In April last year, Sabah STAR and PBS took their first step towards forging political unity that had eluded the native communities for the last three decades. The two major parties, Kitingan leading Sabah STAR, and PBS, led by its acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the coming polls. 'We are currently in discussions with PBS and within our group as well to avoid overlapping of seats. In GRS, we need to resolve things internally before discussing with external parties. That is the process. 'These discussions will continue until everything is settled. It's a good process,' he said, expressing hope that all seat allocations would be finalised before the election is officially announced. Apart from Sabah STAR, PBS and Gagasan Rakyat, the other five component parties are Parti Cinta Sabah, United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
More Sabah farmers should venture into cocoa, says Hajiji
KOTA KINABALU: Farmers are encouraged to take up cocoa planting and expand the 3,000ha of land already under cultivation in Sabah, in light of growing global demand. Malaysia's cocoa exports reached a record RM15.06bil last year, three times higher than in 2023, reflecting rising international appetite for its cocoa-based goods. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah contributed significantly to this success, accounting for over 60% of the country's total output. ALSO READ: Sabah to host first Malaysia International Cocoa Fair 'Around 3,000 cocoa farmers in Ranau, Tenom, Kota Marudu, Keningau and Kuamut have benefitted from this thriving industry," he said at the Cocoa Gala Dinner in conjunction with the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair 2025 (MICF 2025) here on Monday (May 26). His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister and state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. MICF 2025 was described as a milestone for Sabah, underscoring the state's vital role in Malaysia's cocoa industry. The Malaysian Cocoa Board was also praised for its efforts in driving the sector's growth. Hajiji hoped that MICF 2025 would generate lasting benefits, from new partnerships and investments to enhanced global awareness of Sabah, not only as Malaysia's leading cocoa-producing state, but also as a destination for business, tourism and culture.
