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Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Story of Huminodun and meaning of Kaamatan
State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025, Tati Atitih Yatih Robert, representing the district of Tamparuli, with her fellow top seven finishers. As May came to a close with the newest Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 crowned, the echoes of gongs faded into the cool Sabahan evening. The final cheers of the crowd rang out at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall (KDCA) in Penampang, where the climax of Kaamatan 2025 had just unfolded. Laughter and music gave way to quiet reflection as families returned home, their hearts full from a month-long celebration that brought villages and cities to life. Once again, Sabah had come together, united in thanksgiving, in joy, and in memory. And as the dust settled from traditional dances, spirited singing and cultural showcases, what lingered was the spirit of a story, a story that has defined Kaamatan for generations. At the heart of this grand harvest celebration lies an ancient and sacred tale, the story of Huminodun. It is a story passed down through generations of Kadazandusun elders, whispered over firelight, retold at community gatherings and honoured in sacred rites. Long ago, the world was a very different place. The land was young, and the people lived under the benevolent care of Kinoingan and his wife, Suminundu, divine beings who watched over humanity with love. They nurtured the earth and taught the people to live in harmony with nature. But harmony was shattered when a great famine descended. Crops failed, rivers ran dry, and the soil could no longer bear fruit. The people suffered, crying out in anguish as starvation threatened to wipe them out. Kinoingan, heartbroken by the suffering of his creation, searched for a solution. It was then that he realised only a great sacrifice could save the world. And that sacrifice would have to come from someone divine, someone pure of heart. His only daughter, Huminodun, a radiant young woman known for her grace, wisdom and compassion, stepped forward. Seeing the pain of her people, she offered herself willingly, knowing that her death would restore life to the earth. Kinoingan wept, but he honoured her bravery. Huminodun's body was laid to rest in the ground, and from it sprang rice, the sacred grain that became the lifeblood of the Kadazandusun people. Her flesh became nourishment and her spirit, 'Bambazon,' now dwells in every grain of rice. This divine sacrifice is the spiritual foundation of Kaamatan. It is not just a harvest festival; it is a remembrance, a thanksgiving and a renewal. Every time rice is planted or harvested, every time it is eaten, the people remember Huminodun. Her story is a testament to the belief that from selflessness springs abundance, and that life is a gift not to be taken for granted. Although rooted in ancient beliefs, Kaamatan today has evolved into a vibrant and inclusive celebration that brings together Sabahans from all walks of life. Traditionally observed by the Kadazandusun community, it is now embraced by nearly every ethnic group in the state: the Murut, Rungus, Lundayeh, Tatana, Tidong, Bisaya, Bajau, Chinese and others, each contributing their own colours, music, food, and language to the month-long celebration. It is a cultural mosaic bound together by shared gratitude and mutual respect. At the spiritual heart of Kaamatan is the Magavau, a sacred ritual led by the 'Bobohizan,' the high priestess of the Kadazandusun. She calls forth the spirit of Bambazon in an ancient ceremony filled with chants and offerings, ensuring that the rice spirit remains content and that the cycle of fertility continues. Although fewer communities today practise the Magavau, its symbolism remains strong, reminding all of the sacred relationship between humanity and the earth. Complementing these sacred elements are the rich cultural expressions that make Kaamatan such a joyful celebration. The Sumazau, Sabah's most iconic traditional dance, sees dancers move with slow, birdlike grace to the rhythm of gongs. Traditional attires, elaborately beaded and finely embroidered, fill community halls with a kaleidoscope of colours. Villages host friendly competitions in traditional sports, while food stalls offer everything from hinava to linopot, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the land. Among the most eagerly anticipated highlights of Kaamatan is the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant, a unique cultural event held in honour of Huminodun herself. District winners from across Sabah and other parts of Malaysia gather to compete, not merely in beauty, but in cultural knowledge, poise, and the embodiment of Huminodun's virtues. The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, crowned at the peak of Kaamatan, is not just a beauty queen; she is a cultural ambassador, a living symbol of grace, sacrifice and continuity. In recent years, another event has added new dimension to the festivities: the Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan, formerly known as Mister Kaamatan. This male cultural pageant, which has been rebranded to Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan from next year onwards, celebrates young Sabahan men who exemplify strength, cultural awareness and community leadership. Contestants compete not only in physique but in their understanding of heritage, language and values. The emergence of Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan alongside Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan reflects the modern celebration's balance, honouring both masculine and feminine contributions to community and traditions. No less exciting is the Sugandoi Kaamatan, a singing competition that draws vocal talents from across Sabah. Held at district and state levels, the Sugandoi Kaamatan gives voice to the rich musical traditions of the people. Contestants sing in native languages and often perform songs that carry the rhythms and stories of their ancestors. For many, winning Sugandoi Kaamatan is not just a personal triumph; it is a chance to preserve their culture through the power of song. In a festival so deeply rooted in oral tradition, Sugandoi Kaamatan keeps storytelling alive in one of its most beautiful forms. Kaamatan has also grown to become an expression of unity. In a state defined by its ethnic and religious diversity, Kaamatan is a space where all are welcome. It is common to see Muslims and Christians, rural villagers and urban professionals, young and old coming together to celebrate. Cultural exhibitions, community open houses and public performances create opportunities for mutual understanding, bridging generations and backgrounds. It is, in many ways, a blueprint for harmony, showing that cultural pride and inclusiveness can coexist. Beyond the dancing, singing and pageantry, Kaamatan is a powerful reaffirmation of identity. As globalisation and modernity threaten to erode traditional practices, this festival serves as a living classroom where the youth learn the meaning of their customs. It is an opportunity for older generations to pass down stories, rituals and skills, not just to preserve them, but to breathe new life into them. In this sense, Kaamatan is not only a celebration of the harvest, but a harvest of culture itself. It is also a time of economic vitality. As Sabahans travel to their hometowns or flock to celebration grounds, rural and local economies benefit. Artisans sell traditional crafts, farmers showcase their produce and young entrepreneurs use the festive spirit to market everything from food to fashion. Tourists, both local and foreign, are drawn to the rich tapestry of sights, sounds and flavours, making Kaamatan one of the most significant cultural attractions in the region. Yet, when the last gong sounds and the lights dim, what remains is the story of Huminodun, a reminder that from sacrifice comes sustenance, and from gratitude comes unity. Her spirit, said to dwell in every grain of rice, continues to nourish the people, not just physically, but spiritually. In honouring her, Sabahans reaffirm their connection to the land, to each other, and to the timeless values of compassion, selflessness and resilience. I brought my young Chinese friend Ben to KDCA to experience Kaamatan firsthand. Although he is a Sabahan, he had only heard of the festival in passing and was unfamiliar with its deeper cultural significance. Our visit opened his eyes to the richness of this celebration. He thoroughly enjoyed the day, starting with the Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan contest, where he was captivated by the vibrant performances. He sampled lihing, explored the traditional houses that showcased the diverse heritage of Sabah's indigenous communities, and even bought a beautiful bead necklace and a traditional headband as keepsakes. It was a meaningful and immersive introduction to the spirit of Kaamatan. With Kaamatan 2025 over, the people of Sabah carry forward not only the joy of celebration but the weight of legacy. From ancient story to modern festivity, the journey of Kaamatan is one of cultural endurance and spiritual truth. It is a celebration not only of what is harvested from the land but what is cherished in the heart. Footnote Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skill Training and Investment Consultants. His Kaamatan activities included conducting public speaking talks to Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan contestants, judging the contest at district levels and helping to set the questions for the Q & A segment of the State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025. His views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
From classroom to crown: Aspiring teacher Atitih Yatih takes top Unduk Ngadau 2025 in Sabah cultural pageant
PENAMPANG, June 1 — Atitih Yatih Robert, a prospective Malay Language teacher, who was representing the Tamparuli sub-district, was crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 during the culmination of the Kaamatan Festival at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here tonight. Atitih Yatih, 26, a Bachelor of Education (Malay Language) graduate from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) last December and currently awaiting a teaching placement, beat 51 contestants in the traditional beauty pageant of Sabah's paddy harvest season held annually since 1960. Earlier, Atitih Yatih, who participated in the competition for the second time this year after her first attempt in 2017, was selected from the round of 15 best participants before advancing to today's last stage of the top seven finalists, who were judged on public speaking, general knowledge, heritage and cultural understanding in their mother tongue (native language). Unduk Ngadau is a traditional beauty pageant that showcases the diverse ethnic cultures and heritage of Sabah held in memory of the legendary 'Huminodun' who sacrificed herself for the bountiful harvest and well-being of her people in the religious observance (transcending folklore and legend) of the Kadazan-Dusun people. Meanwhile, when interviewed by reporters, Atitih Yatih said she initially only targeted the top seven in the competition and was breathless to emerge as the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025. 'It is difficult for me to describe this victory because I have not yet processed this in my mind, I am still very shocked. I would like to thank all those who supported me, my family and friends who were willing to come from afar to support me. 'My plans after this depends on where I will be placed, I am waiting for my teaching placement ... as a Malay Language teacher later,' said Atitih Yatih, who hoped that this success would inspire the younger generation to preserve Sabah's culture and heritage. She received a trophy, RM15,000 in cash and various prizes presented by the wife of the Yang di-Pertua (Governor) of Sabah, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin in the spectacle and witnessed by the wife of the Chief Minister, Datin Seri Juliah Salag, and the Joint Chairmen of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, Datuk Joanna Datuk Kitingan and Dr Mary Gambidau. Atitih Yatih was then crowned as Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 by Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024 Hyellene Danius who is also a Malay Language teacher. Second place went to Elka Alika Pijeh representing Tambunan (district) who took home a trophy, RM12,000 and accompanying prizes; while third place went to Celarin Jenny representing Kiulu who took home a trophy, RM10,000 and souvenirs. Earlier, before the final stage of the competition, the 2025 Kaamatan Festival Celebration was officially closed by the Yang dI-Pertua Negeri Sabah (Governor) Tun Musa Aman with a 'mengomot' or rice harvesting ritual and seven strikes of the gong in a ceremony of splendour also attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. — Bernama
The Star
a day ago
- Science
- The Star
Modern padi farming the way to go
KOTA KINABALU: Jafli Latu owns a piece of land that he inherited from his parents decades ago. To the 63-year-old, the land is more than just a farm; it is a legacy, a symbol of resilience, a connection to his roots and a source of pride that carries the hopes of his family and community. Jafli has experienced it all – from using buffaloes to plough the soil to embracing technology- driven farming. 'Today, we plant with purpose. Not just to survive, but to grow and to build something lasting,' he said with a smile, brushing soil from his hands. This year's Kaamatan celebration, the harvest festival cherished by the Kadazandusun community, holds special meaning for Jafli and his fellow farmers. Traditionally, a time to honour the earth and give thanks, Kaamatan has come to symbolise more than just the end of a planting season. In Kota Belud, it now marks the triumph of a new agricultural approach that is transforming lives. Jafli recalls his late father's wisdom, who used to say that rice is more than food; it nourishes the soul. 'For many years, farming felt like a gamble. We barely harvested two tonnes per hectare, sometimes even less. It was all back- breaking work, done entirely by hand,' he recalled, adding that the high cost of fertilisers, unpredictable weather and uncertain yields made things worse. However, all that began to change when Jafli was introduced to the Large-Scale Smart Padi Field (SMART SBB) programme, a bold initiative that blends modern agricultural technology with traditional knowledge. He was sceptical at first, just like the other 40 people who joined the programme, but when they saw yields increasing from 2.6 to more than four metric tonnes per hectare in just one season, they recognised the programme's potential. The SMART SBB initiative, a collaborative effort between the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas), aims to strengthen Malaysia's food security through strategic, field-level partnerships. Launched in June 2022 in Kampung Jawi-Jawi, Kota Belud, the programme delivered immediate impact. Not only did the yields rise by more than 60% in the first season alone, but there was greater interest from fellow farmers, and in 2024, the number of participants doubled to over 80 across nine areas. In addition to Jawi-Jawi, participating areas now cover over 160ha of padi fields, including Timbang Dayang, Taun Gusi Keranjangan, Sangkir and Kesapang. Under the programme, farmers are now using drones to survey their fields, planting TR8 seeds directly into water, and operating modern padi transplanters, all of which have made the process faster, more efficient and less physically demanding. For Terpilih Sunus from Kampung Kesapang, the most significant change was not only the improved yield, but the shift in how they farm. 'When we saw our yields rise by over 60% in the first season, I knew we could not return to the old ways. Now, with guidance from technical officers, we follow a more precise method. 'We use drones, plant the TR8 seeds more efficiently and operate machinery that saves us days of work,' she said. To Terpilih and many other participants, the combination of training, logistical support and structured market access under this public-private partnership has set a new benchmark for the future of Malaysia's padi sector. Her sentiments were echoed by Noraini James, who recalled how tasks that once took weeks are now completed in just a few days. 'There is no more back-breaking seed carrying. Now, I refer to drone-generated soil data. Our yields have tripled,' she said with a laugh. Noraini explained that the programme had not only boosted production but also changed her outlook on agriculture. 'I used to work in the city, but I came back to help my parents. After seeing our yield triple, I now see a future in this field. We are no longer just planting padi, we are managing harvests like a business,' she said. For farmers in Kota Belud, this year's Kaamatan carries a deeper meaning. It is no longer just a cultural celebration but a reflection of resilience, renewal and progress. 'Kaamatan is about honouring the earth and its blessings. This year, I feel truly worthy of receiving the Kaamatan rice because our work has been more systematic and productive,' said Noraini. The SMART SBB programme has not only modernised traditional practices but also ensured that farmers have access to quality inputs, fair pricing and guaranteed purchase agreements. Consistent technical support and reliable procurement channels have lifted the burden of having to sell harvest at poor prices or uncertain markets. As a strategic implementation partner, Bernas plays a key role in supporting Malaysia's food security through its direct involvement in field operations and market facilitation. 'Before this, our harvests often went unsold because we could not get them to the market quickly. 'Now, with dedicated buyers and structured channels, we have the confidence to keep planting,' said Jafli with a smile.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kaamatan: A call for unity in the land of Huminodun
As Sabah welcomes the radiant glow of Kaamatan and the haunting strains of the sompoton fill the valleys, this sacred period, rooted in the legend of Huminodun, prompts deep introspection and thankfulness. Huminodun, the revered maiden whose selfless act brought forth the first rice harvest, embodies unity and altruism. This leads to a critical question: How can a person who honors such a powerful symbol of cohesion remain entangled in political disarray? The Kadazandusun, Sabah's largest indigenous community, holds vast potential. However, their true strength can only be unlocked by embracing the ancient wisdom of Misompuru (Unity) and forging a collective vision for what lies ahead. At the core of Kadazandusun beliefs is the touching narrative of Huminodun. Faced with devastating famine, Kinoingan, the creator deity, made an unimaginable choice: to save humanity, he had to sacrifice his only child. With immense love and dedication, Huminodun willingly offered herself. Her body was laid into the earth, from which the first rice emerged, sustaining countless generations. This ultimate sacrifice, commemorated yearly during Kaamatan through ceremonies like the Magavau, transcends a mere story of sorrow; it stands as a powerful testament to the strength of unity and the profound connection between individuals and their community. The Unduk Ngadau, or harvest queen, chosen during the festival, personifies Huminodun's purity, wisdom, and grace. Her symbolic role reminds the community that leadership must serve the greater good. Yet, in today's political landscape, this sacred covenant appears forgotten. How has a people united by the legacy of a heroine who gave her life for unity allowed themselves to splinter into factions that seem to thrive on division? Sabah's political sphere has become increasingly fragmented, with multiple parties — UPKO, PBS, PBRS, STAR, among others — jostling for influence under the banner of Kadazandusun rights. Despite their common cause, internal rivalries, shifting alliances, and competing agendas have weakened their collective voice. This political disunity has led to tangible consequences. Native land rights, enshrined in law, are routinely undermined by external interests, yet without a united political front, enforcement remains elusive. Economically, many rural Kadazandusun communities continue to face hardship, trapped in cycles of poverty and underdevelopment, while disjointed leadership fails to marshal coordinated advocacy. The cultural cost is no less grave. A 2017 Borneo Post Online article, 'The Kadazandusun language dilemma,' highlighted that many district youth under thirty struggled to speak Kadazan. This aligns with a 2005 UNESCO report deeming Kadazandusun endangered, a critical indicator that the culture risks disappearing without targeted efforts. This is not the legacy Huminodun died to bequeath. Her act was a call to unity, not a license for petty squabbles. Kaamatan, at its core, has always been more than a celebration of harvest — it is a time of renewal, of reconciling differences, sharing abundance, and reaffirming kinship. In the past, rituals led by the bobohizan or bombolian were not only spiritual acts but mechanisms for healing and consensus. Elders resolved conflicts, families shared the first rice harvest, and the community danced the sumazau in harmonious rhythm, reflecting a society at peace with itself. Today, Kaamatan risks becoming a hollow shell — reduced to pageantry and performance, stripped of its deeper meaning — unless its essence is reclaimed. Imagine if political leaders, instead of trading barbs, genuinely shared tapai under the roof of Hongkod Koisaan, pledging collaboration over competition. Picture the unveiling of a unified agenda for the Kadazandusun people — rooted in land protection, cultural preservation and educational reform — delivered not in separate party platforms, but as a collective vision. Envision young people and women — torchbearers of Huminodun's spirit — leading campaigns that transcend partisan lines, igniting hope in both village halls and digital spaces. The image of Kadazandusun leaders joining in the sumazau, moving in unison like the intertwined roots of the rice plant, could become a powerful living symbol of Misompuru — not just a concept, but a call to action. Around the world, indigenous peoples have found strength in solidarity. The Māori of New Zealand, by uniting under the framework of the Treaty of Waitangi, secured not only land reparations but a firm voice in parliament. In the United States, the Navajo Nation, despite its internal diversity, consolidated political power to protect its resources and secure federal support. These examples show that unity is not a surrender of identity; it is a strategy for survival and growth. The Kadazandusun, with their profound cultural heritage, could likewise wield greater influence through cooperation and shared purpose. Perhaps, like the Māori Kingitanga, a central movement rooted in cultural pride and political coordination could emerge. To make Misompuru a reality, several key steps are needed. The formation of a Kadazandusun Political Council — serving as a neutral platform akin to the bobohizan's role as mediator — could help align party priorities and push for crucial legislation, from protecting Native Customary Rights (NCR) land to intensifying Kadazandusun-language education and developing sustainable rural economies. Grassroots initiatives should accompany this political reawakening. A 'Tumahui do Huminodun' campaign could mobilize youth around the symbolism of her sacrifice, linking tradition to activism through art, dialogue, and community action. Even simple efforts, such as rival politicians co-hosting Kaamatan activities or jointly planting rice, can plant seeds of trust and solidarity. As the gongs echo and the scent of hinava drifts through the air, this Kaamatan, the Kadazandusun are called to make a choice. Will they continue down a path of fragmentation, or rise together as people bound by the same moon that once witnessed their ancestors dance in unity? Huminodun's story is not merely a legend to be admired; it is a roadmap waiting to be followed. Just as her body became the rice that sustained a people, today's leaders must transform their ambitions into nourishment for the collective good. This moment goes beyond politics. It is about safeguarding a heritage — the terraced paddies, the chants of the bobohizan, the laughter of children speaking the language of their forebears. It is about honoring the spirits of those who came before by securing a dignified future for those yet to come. Let this Kaamatan mark a new beginning. Let it prove that Misompuru is not a forgotten dream but a living, breathing force. For as the proverb reminds us: 'Ounsik do Huminodun, ounsik do Kaamatan.' Without Huminodun, there is no harvest. And without unity, there is no future. Nokoturu ti Huminodun, moginum ti tapai do Misompuru (Follow Huminodun's path, and drink the rice wine of unity.)
The Star
2 days ago
- General
- The Star
Sabah farmers embrace modern methods through SMART SBB
KOTA KINABALU: Jafli Latu owns a piece of land inherited from his parents decades ago. To the 63-year-old, this land is more than just a farm; it is a legacy, a symbol of resilience, a connection to his roots, and a source of pride that carries the hopes of his family and community. Jafli has experienced everything, from using buffaloes to plough the soil to embracing technology-driven farming. "Today, we plant with purpose. Not just to survive, but to grow and build something lasting," he said with a smile, brushing soil from his hands. This year's Kaamatan celebration, cherished by the Kadazandusun community, holds special meaning for Jafli and his fellow farmers. Traditionally a time to honour the earth and give thanks, Kaamatan now symbolises more than just the end of a planting season. In Kota Belud, it marks the triumph of a new agricultural approach transforming lives. Jafli recalls his late father's wisdom, who said rice was more than food; it nourished the soul. "For many years, farming felt like a gamble. We barely harvested two tonnes per hectare, sometimes even less." "It was all back-breaking work, done entirely by hand," he recalled, adding that the high cost of fertilisers, unpredictable weather, and uncertain yields worsened things. But change began when Jafli was introduced to the Large-Scale Smart Paddy Field (SMART SBB) programme, blending modern technology with traditional knowledge. He was sceptical at first, as were some 40 others who joined the programme, but when yields increased from 2.6 to more than four metric tonnes per hectare in one season, they recognised its potential. The SMART SBB initiative, a collaboration between the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS), aims to strengthen Malaysia's food security through strategic, field-level partnerships. Launched in June 2022 in Kampung Jawi-Jawi, Kota Belud, the programme delivered an immediate impact. Yields rose by more than 60% in the first season alone, and in 2024, the number of participants doubled to over 80 across nine areas. In addition to Jawi-Jawi, participating areas now cover over 160ha of paddy land, including Timbang Dayang, Taun Gusi Keranjangan, Sangkir, and Kesapang. Under the programme, farmers now use drones to survey fields, plant TR8 seeds directly into water, and operate modern paddy transplanters, making the process faster, more efficient, and less physically demanding. For Terpilih Sunus from Kampung Kesapang, the most significant change was not only the improved yield but the shift in farming methods. "When we saw our yields rise by over 60% in the first season, I knew we could not return to the old ways." "Now, with guidance from technical officers, we follow a more precise method. We use drones, plant the TR8 seeds more efficiently, and operate machinery that saves us days of work," she said. To Terpilih and many others, the combination of training, logistical support, and structured market access under this public-private partnership sets a new benchmark for Malaysia's paddy sector. Noraini James echoed her sentiments, saying that tasks that once took weeks are now completed in just a few days. "There is no more back-breaking seed carrying. Now, I refer to drone-generated soil data. Our yields have tripled," she said with a laugh. She explained that the programme had not only boosted production but also changed her outlook on agriculture. "I used to work in the city, but I came back to help my parents. After seeing our yield triple, I now see a future in this field. We are no longer just planting paddy; we are managing harvests like a business," she said. For farmers in Kota Belud, this year's Kaamatan carries a deeper meaning. It is no longer just a cultural celebration but a reflection of resilience, renewal, and progress. "Kaamatan is about honouring the earth and its blessings. This year, I feel truly worthy of receiving the Kaamatan rice because our work has been more systematic and productive," said Noraini. The SMART SBB programme has modernised traditional practices, ensuring farmers have access to quality inputs, fair pricing, and guaranteed purchase agreements. Consistent technical support and reliable procurement channels have lifted the burden of selling harvests at poor prices or uncertain markets. As a strategic implementation partner, BERNAS plays a key role in supporting Malaysia's food security through its involvement in field operations and market facilitation. "Before this, our harvests often went unsold because we could not get them to market quickly. Now, with dedicated buyers and structured channels, we have the confidence to keep planting," said Jafli, smiling.
