Latest news with #KaamatanFestival2025
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Pairin urges Sabahans to guard traditions against AI misuse
Tuan Yang DiPertua for Sabah Tun Musa Aman (third left), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (sixth left) and Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (left) dancing the sumazau at the closing of the month-long Kaamatan Festival 2025 on Friday (May 31). KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan calls for unity and warns against misusing artificial intelligence (AI) as the month-long Kaamatan Festival 2025 closes. Speaking at the grand finale held at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association's (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on Friday (May 31), Pairin said that the unchecked use of AI could lead to cultural erosion and even destruction. 'If misused, AI can become a force of destruction. It can distort values, misrepresent our traditions, and lead us away from our true identity as Sabahans and Malaysians,' said Pairin, who is also Huguan Siou (paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community). The KDCA president also acknowledged the presence of Tun Musa Aman, who came for the first time in his capacity as the Tuan Yang DiPertua of Sabah. 'We are one big family, and Kaamatan is a platform that brings us together, not just to honour the harvest, but to reaffirm our identity and aspirations,' he said. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Tuan Yang DiPertua for Sabah Tun Musa Aman (middle), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (left), Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (second left) and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (second right) singing the Kaamatan song during the official closing of the month-festival on Friday (May 31). Pairin said that Kaamatan is a bridge that connects the people of Sabah, to their ancestors and the world. 'This is where culture meets innovation, and where we must walk carefully 'Let your imagination fly, but let it be rooted in values. We want our traditions to evolve, not disappear,' he said. The celebration ended with a formal declaration by Tun Musa, who marked it with the beating of the gong seven times.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
State committed on rural economic empowerment through SMJ plan
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 Text Size: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor accompanied Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the state-level Kaamatan Festival launch at Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Penampang, on Friday The Sabah state government remains committed to strengthening rural socio-economic development through strategic approaches such as agricultural modernisation, promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and community-based tourism. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said these efforts are key pillars under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan aimed at ensuring inclusive and comprehensive well-being for the people. 'Rural communities must continue to be given economic opportunities through modern agriculture, community tourism, or skills training not only to boost income but also to reduce poverty in Sabah,' he said. He said this during the State-level Kaamatan Festival 2025 officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today. Hajiji also highlighted plans to reactivate the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board to support food security, targeting a 30pc rice self-sufficiency level by next year and 60pc by 2030. He stressed that close cooperation with the Federal Government is essential to drive development policies effectively and ensure that Sabahans benefit directly. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Baloi Keningau set to shine at Kaamatan Festival with cultural showcases
Rafie Robert KOTA KINABALU (May 28): 'Baloi Keningau,' a traditional house representing the identity and heritage of the Keningau community, is ready to welcome visitors during the Kaamatan Festival 2025, which will take place at Hongkod Koisaan, Penampang, on May 30 and 31. Located within the Koisaan Cultural Village (KCV), Baloi Keningau is set to be one of the main attractions of this year's celebration, which carries the theme 'Kaamatan for All.' This theme reflects the spirit of inclusivity and harmony, while emphasizing appreciation for cultural diversity among the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) communities and Malaysians as a whole. Chairman of the KDCA Keningau Coordinating Committee, Rafie Robert, invited the public to visit Baloi Keningau and experience the unique culture being showcased. 'We warmly welcome everyone to visit Baloi Keningau at the Koisaan Cultural Village. It's more than just a traditional house – it is a symbol of our community's heritage and identity. Kaamatan is a celebration for all, and we are truly honoured to share this culture with all Malaysians,' he said. According to him, various cultural activities are scheduled to take place at KCV on May 30, including traditional cooking demonstrations, handicraft exhibitions, and traditional dance and music performances. He added that Baloi Keningau will feature specific cultural showcases, including the Murut Naabai ethnic dance, Dusun Lobu ethnic dance, and performances of traditional musical instruments such as the Tongunggu (bamboo music) and Sompoton. He noted that the highlight of the celebration will be held on May 31 with the National Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Pageant, which will see 51 participants from across Sabah and other states in Malaysia. Rafie said the pageant not only showcases the grace and personality of Kadazandusun women but also highlights their cultural knowledge and the spirit of community unity. 'Kaamatan is a symbol of gratitude for the harvest and a reflection of unity among our diverse communities. KDCA Keningau invites all Malaysians to join in the celebration and take pride in our shared cultural heritage,' he said.
The Star
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Sabah aims to keep traditional sports alive, especially among youth
KOTA KINABALU: Plans are underway to expand traditional sports competitions to every district in Sabah in a bid to preserve the state's rich cultural heritage. Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan ( pic ) said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that traditional games are not forgotten, especially among the younger generation. 'Games such as arm wrestling, slingshot, blowpipe, mopiri (a traditional fire-starting method using a stick and coconut husk), membujak (a heritage game involving spear-throwing at a target) and others are more than just entertainment, they are cultural symbols that must be preserved and passed down,' he said. Fairuz stressed on the importance of maintaining cultural identity in the face of modern influences such as electronic sports (e-sports), adding that rural communities continue to play a key role in preserving such traditions. Fairuz made the remarks after officiating the Traditional Sports Competition held in conjunction with the state-level Kaamatan Festival 2025 at SMK Bahang Hall on Saturday. This year's competition saw encouraging participation from local youth, a positive sign that traditional sports are still valued and enjoyed. Fairuz said the ministry, with support from agencies such as the Sabah Sports Board, PETRONAS and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry, plans to bring such competitions to all major zones and districts in the state. He said youth involvement is vital to ensuring the continuity of Sabah's heritage. 'Without the old, there is no new. 'If the younger generation forgets or fails to carry on these traditions, our traditional games will fade with time,' he said. Fairuz also encouraged parents to expose their children to traditional sports from an early age, either through participation or by attending local competitions.
The Star
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
From arm wrestling to ‘mopiri', Sabah plans to revive traditional sports state-wide
KOTA KINABALU: Plans are underway to expand traditional sports competitions to every district in Sabah in a bid to preserve the state's rich cultural heritage. Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that traditional games are not forgotten, especially among the younger generation. 'Games such as arm wrestling, slingshot, blowpipe, mopiri (a traditional fire-starting method using a stick and coconut husk), membujak (a heritage game involving spear-throwing at a target), and others are more than just entertainment, they are cultural symbols that must be preserved and passed down,' he said. He stressed the importance of maintaining cultural identity in the face of modern influences like electronic sports (e-sports), adding that rural communities continue to play a key role in preserving these traditions. Fairuz made the remarks after officiating the Traditional Sports Competition held in conjunction with the state-level Kaamatan Festival 2025 at SMK Bahang Hall on Saturday (May 24). This year's competition saw encouraging participation from local youths, a positive sign that traditional sports are still valued and enjoyed. Fairuz said the ministry, with support from agencies such as the Sabah Sports Board, PETRONAS, and the Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi), plans to bring these competitions to all major zones and districts across Sabah. He stressed that youth involvement is vital to ensuring the continuity of Sabah's heritage. 'Without the old, there is no new. If the younger generation forgets or fails to carry on these traditions, our traditional games will fade with time,' he said. He also encouraged parents to expose their children to traditional sports from an early age, either through participation or by attending local competitions.
