Latest news with #KaamatanForAll
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah, Korea county sign MoU to promote festival, tourism exchange
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (top third left) with the delegates from Boseong County, South Korea. Also in photo are (from top left to right) Chairlady of the KDCA Women's Council, Datuk Joanna Kitingan; Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Kota Kinabalu, Yoon Ockchae; KepKas Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking; Deputy Governor of Boseong County Seo Hyung Bin; Chief Executive Officer of the Jeollanamdo Tourism Organization Kim Young Sin; Director of the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Boseong County Rho Joung Yi; and KePKAS Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion. KOTA KINABALU (May 31): Sabah's Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boseong County, South Korea, to strengthen cooperation in festival and tourism exchange. The MoU was signed by KePKAS Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking and Deputy Governor of Boseong County, Seo Hyung Bin. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Director-General of the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Boseong County Rho Joung Yi witnessed the signing which took place during a welcoming dinner in Kota Kinabalu held in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival, on Friday. Joniston said the MoU represents a step forward in building stronger ties and shared interest in learning about each other's traditions. 'This partnership is about people. It's about building understanding and sharing our stories. The timing of this MoU, held during our Kaamatan Festival, makes it even more meaningful. 'With this year's theme Kaamatan For All, it reflects our desire to share this celebration with the world and we are honoured to welcome our friends from Boseong to experience the spirit of Kaamatan with us,' he said. Joniston also highlighted the recent visit by Sabah representatives to Boseong during the Green Tea Festival. He said the warm welcome and the opportunity to learn about Boseong's tea culture were deeply appreciated, adding that such cultural exchange allows both sides to respect and enjoy each other's heritage. With direct flights connecting Kota Kinabalu and South Korea, Joniston believes more cultural and festival exchanges can happen. As part of the cultural exchange, the Boseong cultural troupe will perform on the open stage at Hongkod Koisaan, KDCA in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival finale on Saturday. Joniston said the performance will give Sabahans a chance to experience the music and culture of Boseong. He also expressed hope that Sabah will one day bring the Kaamatan Festival to Boseong. The MoU is expected to lead to more cultural activities, exchange visits, and tourism promotions between the two regions. Joniston said this is a good start and hopes the collaboration will grow stronger. Also present at the signing ceremony were KePKAS Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion; Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Kota Kinabalu, Yoon Ockchae; Chief Executive Officer of the Jeollanamdo Tourism Organization, Kim Young Sin; and chairlady of the KDCA Women's Council Datuk Joanna Kitingan.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sabah to revive rice production in food security push, says CM
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is reactivating efforts to boost local food production, including rice farming, as part of a broader push for food security. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced the initiative at the state-level Kaamatan celebration, saying the festival serves as a timely reminder of the importance of agriculture. 'As we celebrate Kaamatan, we must also reflect on the significance of agriculture in our lives — especially padi farming, which has long been a symbol of our people's resilience,' he said in his speech during the launching ceremony of Pesta Kaamatan 2025 at the Hongkod Koisaan hall, on Friday (May 30). Hajiji said the state government is committed to strengthening Sabah's food supply chain by revitalising initiatives to increase local rice output and reduce reliance on imported food. These include the reactivation of the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board to improve the state's self-sufficiency level (SSL), with the aim of achieving 30% rice SSL by next year and 60% by 2030. 'These efforts are not just about economic sustainability — they are also about preserving our culture and heritage that revolve around rice and farming traditions,' he said. He added that the government is also focusing on improving the rural economy through modern agriculture, community-based tourism, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), under the Sabah Maju Jaya development blueprint. Hajiji stressed that strong cooperation with the Federal Government would be crucial in ensuring that the state's development policies translate into tangible benefits for the people. 'I am confident that our close relationship with the federal government will help accelerate the success of our state development agenda,' he said. Beyond agriculture, Hajiji also emphasised that Kaamatan serves as a unifying force for Sabah's multicultural society, bringing people together in the spirit of harmony, respect, and mutual appreciation. 'This festival is a reflection of our unity in diversity — Kaamatan belongs to everyone, and through it, we celebrate not only the harvest but also the values of togetherness that bind us as Sabahans,' he said. He also noted that this year's Kaamatan marks the 65th celebration since its official introduction in 1960, with the theme 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan'. The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for gracing the celebration, calling his presence 'a meaningful gesture of support for Sabah's culture, people and aspirations.' Kaamatan, also known as the Harvest Festival, is an annual cultural event celebrated by the Kadazan Dusun and Murut communities and has grown to reflect the state's broader multicultural identity.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Strong Federal-state ties key to advancing Sabah's development agenda, says Hajiji
PENAMPANG: Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here today. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, through modern agriculture, community-based tourism and skills training to help increase household income and reduce the poverty rate. He highlighted that the reactivation of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is aimed at enhancing food security through increased local rice self-sufficiency. 'Our target is to achieve 30 percent rice self-sufficiency by next year and 60 percent by 2030. This is a vital step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening local food supply resilience,' he said.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Hajiji: Federal-state unity key to Sabah's progress
PENAMPANG: Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here today. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, through modern agriculture, community-based tourism and skills training to help increase household income and reduce the poverty rate. He highlighted that the reactivation of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is aimed at enhancing food security through increased local rice self-sufficiency. 'Our target is to achieve 30 percent rice self-sufficiency by next year and 60 percent by 2030. This is a vital step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening local food supply resilience,' he said.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Strong Federal-State ties key to advancing Sabah's development agenda, says Hajiji
Hajiji (second left) witnessing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hitting the gong, symbolising the launch of the Kaamatan Festival. PENAMPANG (May 30): Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here on Friday. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, through modern agriculture, community-based tourism and skills training to help increase household income and reduce the poverty rate. He highlighted that the reactivation of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is aimed at enhancing food security through increased local rice self-sufficiency. 'Our target is to achieve 30 percent rice self-sufficiency by next year and 60 percent by 2030. This is a vital step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening local food supply resilience,' he said. —Bernama
