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Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Halt Sabah tax collection until revenue sharing sorted, says Yong
SAPP president Yong Teck Lee said the federal government should not delay making annual payments of at least RM2 billion to Sabah. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Tax collection should be suspended in Sabah until the state receives its full entitlement of net shared revenue, says Yong Teck Lee, a deputy chairman of the ruling GRS coalition. Yong, a former chief minister, said Sabah continues to miss out on its share of revenue to which it is entitled under the constitution. He said this year's RM600 million special grant from Putrajaya, though an increase from previous years, was 'a figure plucked out from nowhere'. 'We call on the federal government to honour the 40% net revenue entitlement without further delay,' Yong said in a statement. 'Until then, tax enforcement in Sabah should be re-evaluated, paused if necessary, and guided by consultation with the Sabah government and Sabah business organisations.' Yong, who is president of the Sabah Progressive Party, also questioned Kota Kinabalu City Hall's partnership with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to identify inactive taxpayers in Sabah, arguing that these were mostly petty traders and not big-time tax evaders. He said enforcing tax compliance as petty traders battled rising costs and the people's declining purchasing power would only damage the local economy. 'DBKK should stop aligning with federal LHDN enforcement while the billions owed to this region remain unpaid. It should stop playing the role of federal tax collector to hunt down the so-called inactive tax payers.' Yong said LHDN recently announced it had collected RM5.7 billion in taxes from Sabah last year, and hoped to collect RM6.2 billion in 2025. He said the amount was equal to an average of RM6 billion in taxes collected in these two years, of which 40% would amount to RM2.4 billion. 'There is absolutely no reason for the federal government to delay making annual payments of at least RM2 billion to the Sabah government,' said Yong. The revenue sharing formula has been a contentious issue for decades. Sabah politicians have called for the federal government to honour Sabah's entitlement to 40% of the amount which exceeds the net revenue derived in 1963. Use of the formula has been suspended since 1974, with the federal government paying increased special grants to Sabah and Sarawak. The Sabah Law Society has been granted leave to pursue a judicial review of the state's revenue entitlement, with the case to be heard on July 7.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Sabah PKR pledges unity and reform as Mustapha leads party into state polls with PM's backing
KOTA KINABALU, May 31 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah is grateful to the Prime Minister for his trust and confidence in the current leadership of Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah. 'I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister for my reappointment as chairman of the State Leadership Council (MPN), a great responsibility in leading PKR Sabah as we prepare for the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN17),' said Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, the chairman of Keadilan Sabah State Leadership Council. He said that in line with the direction of the new leadership and the aspirations of the party, PKR Sabah will strengthen this new direction through a constructive negotiation process with its partners in PH Sabah, aiming to deliver the best possible outcomes for all. 'Our goal, as original Sabahan is to empower and uphold the rights of the state in order to bring the greatest benefit to the people of Sabah,' he said in a statement on Friday. 'We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of unity, progress and reform, and we are determined to continue contributing positively toward the development and prosperity of Sabah under the PH coalition, while also opening avenues of collaboration with both local and national parties.' — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
‘Everyone wants a piece of Sabahan culture': Kaamatan sparks booming global demand for ethnic wear
KOTA KINABALU, May 31 — During the month-long Kaamatan fest, Sabahans are not only celebrating their cultural roots — they're evidently wearing them with pride. The distinct black-and-gold trimmed traditional costumes of the Dusun tribes, the colourful beading of the Rungus and the many Murut motifs are donned by Sabahans of all walks of life whether they're at a social gathering, at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) or at school. For seamstress Asurah Karim, Kaamatan is unarguably her busiest time of the year. 'Before May, we have to prepare to restock everything. The demand is 10 times higher than usual,' said the 41-year-old tailor, who has been making traditional costumes in her boutique in Penampang since 2018. 'We usually close shop at 7.30pm but this month, we have been working till past 10.00pm to finish sewing dresses, and that's because the mall starts closing down and the security guards tell us to leave,' she said. Tailors across the state are catering to the many Kaamatan events — from kindergarten dress-up to Sugandoi competitions, wedding parties and formal government functions. Her most requested designs? 'Dusun Tindal. Always the top,' she said, adding that Dusun Labuk of Beluran styles are also popular this year. Dusun Tindal also known as sinipak is from Kota Belud and has highly intricate details including layered sleeves. The business spike is significant — income in May can be 'up to 10 times' higher than in other months. Kaamatan is an auspicious month for the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus communities to get married, adding to the demand for outfits. From Penampang to Perth Asurah, who was born in Kundasang to an ethnic Indian father and Bajau Laut mother, grew up helping her mother, a seamstress, with needlework. Asurah Karim (right), known for her traditional costumes, with one of her many multiracial clients. — Picture by Julia Chan 'At 14 years old, I worked part-time at Love Tailor in Centre Point with my mother. That's where I got exposed to all kinds of traditional attire,' she said. Since starting her own business, Zay Boutique in 2018, Asurah has served hundreds of clients locally and abroad. Sabahans from the east coast district of Semporna to the interiors of Keningau and Tambunan would place their orders by phone or WhatsApp and drive to Penampang on the weekends to collect them. 'We've sent costumes to Australia too. They celebrate Kaamatan there too and people want to connect with their roots by wearing the costumes of their heritage,' she said. Bernadita Marcellina Michael, the owner of Olumis769 — another traditional costume specialist — said her orders also extend beyond Sabah, and during the month of Kaamatan, she sees double her usual business. 'People from Sarawak, Johor, and even Melbourne have ordered from us. We cater to local councils, government agencies, universities, schools, and private companies... we also do rentals for those who prefer,' she said. Her most popular costumes also include the Dusun Penampang traditional dress, the Sinipak from Kota Belud, Dusun Gana from Keningau and the Dusun Sonsogon costume from Kota Marudu. 'Costumes from other ethnic groups, such as the Murut and Lundayeh, are also in high demand,' said Bernadita. What used to be a niche and expensive pursuit has now grown into a thriving cottage industry. 'Before the last 10 years, it was rare to find ready-made traditional clothes. They were expensive to make and not many people provided the service. Nowadays it's more available and affordable,' she said. A full costume made of velvet with trims used to start at RM800 to RM1,500. These days, a similar outfit — perhaps made with black cotton instead of velvet — can start at RM300. The more bells and whistles you add, the more it will cost. 'If the trims and beadings are handmade then the price will go back up. The brass bells and beads also cost a lot. The more it is customised, the longer it will take to complete, and the pricier it will get. But even so, it is far easier now than it was before,' she said. Bernadita Marcellina Michael is the owner of Olumis769. — Picture courtesy of Olumis769 The increased accessibility and demand have also expanded her clientele to include children. Part of this is due to the growing appreciation and awareness for cultural preservation in schools and beyond. 'Kindergartens, primary schools, shopping centres... many are organising children's Kaamatan pageants or competitions, and we don't mind spending on her costumes,' said Lorna Anthony, whose own daughter, Ashley Bea Chris will be wearing a rented Dusun Tindal costume for her kindergarten's Kaamatan festival this week. Ashley's classmate, Darcy Lynne, is wearing a Dusun Papar outfit rented from Zay Boutique. 'I have my own traditional dress. Several of them, from various districts so I can rotate every year. But for Darcy Lynne, we thought best we rent for now,' said Darcy's mother, Teresah Kumilau. Cross cultural demand Asurah sees her own diverse family background reflected in her clients. 'It's not just Kadazan or Dusun people ordering the Sabahan traditional dress now. We get Malays, Indians, mixed-race customers too. Everyone seems to want a piece of Sabahan culture,' said Asurah. Bernadita said that about 30 per cent of her customers are from other races — Chinese, Malays, Indians. Kaamatan is truly for everyone,' she added. But it's not just traditional costumes that are in demand. Local designers are experiencing the same surge, Sabah influenced designs have grown in demand for occasions when a full traditional dress may be too much. Seamstress Monguravung (@Normey Magarap), 55, owns a boutique in a Penampang mall that fuses traditional elements with contemporary silhouettes and does brisk business during the month of May. Monguravung with her contemporary take on native-inspired outfits. — Picture by Julia Chan 'The peak season is May, followed by August for Merdeka Day and then December which is when a lot of weddings and festivities are happening. But May is definitely when there is most business,' said the Rungus native. This year, she opened a month-long pop-up booth at the popular ITCC shopping mall in Penampang for more visibility. She said that she started doing her modern take on traditional clothes as a complement to the many traditional costumes already available. 'Every piece I do is different. So, there's only one like it. It's only the traditional costume that has to remain the same,' she said. However, Bernadita said that even when creating contemporary looks, it was important to ensure the correct ethnic motifs are used. The demand for native inspired gowns and casual wear are particularly high during Kaamatan but she said people would wear them to gala nights for Unduk Ngadau and Sugandoi competitions. For Sabahans, Kaamatan is more than a festival — it's a cultural revival, and for these businesses, it is an honour to help ensure that tradition not only survives — but thrives.
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.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
PM Anwar to Sabah: Let industry lead TVET training to avoid skills mismatch
KOTA KINABALU, May 30 — Sabah must put more focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes that can produce more competitive workers for today's as well as future markets, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said that companies and those running TVET programmes needed to be flexible and industry-driven to better meet market requirements instead of using bureaucracy and outdated technical rules as excuses. 'It might not be a formal certificate by the ministry, it may be a certificate by the company which can be as good or at times better than some of our departments. Let them handle the training, let them make sure that the training meets the standards and more so the requirements of that particular industry. 'If they want 200 people from a particular event or university to work in the company or in the industry, let them train them so that there will not be a mismatch between what is being trained and what is required by the industry,' he said. He was speaking at the launching of the first phase of the Esteel Entreprise project in Sabah at the Sabah International Convention Centre, here, today. The finance minister said it was important to bridge the gap between what the central agencies were teaching and what the industry needed. Anwar said that the traditional model, where training institutions operate independently of industry input, risks producing graduates whose skills do not align with real-world needs. He said that past successful collaborations in Kuala Lumpur's High Tech area, the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone, and Melaka as examples where industry and academia jointly shape training to meet market needs. He said such models should be introduced in Sabah, particularly in light of upcoming large-scale investments. 'Don't give some bureaucratic, technical rules. You think about the future of your students and they will be better served if the industry trains these people for their requirements. If they need to be sent to either Kuala Lumpur or China, then come back as qualified engineers or technicians,' he said.
