Latest news with #MrKaamatan
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Engineer crowned Mr Kaamatan champion
PENAMPANG: Mike Melvin Lee Larry, who represented Ranau, emerged as the winner of Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan (BTK) 2025 or Mr Kaamatan, a prestigious male cultural pageant held in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival. The 24-year-old assistant district engineer walked away with prizes worth more than RM120,000, including RM10,000 in cash, a handcrafted sigah (the traditional Kadazandusun headgear), and other sponsored items. The first runner-up was Bryan Soo, representing Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, while Arnold Jaideh from Kota Belud came in third. They received prizes valued at RM70,000 and RM60,000 respectively, including cash awards of RM5,000 and RM4,000. Completing the top seven were Fachai Sikana (Nabawan), Reccarlo Divann Rex (Matunggong), Stephen Sibir Junior (Penampang), and Macknouel Munis (Putatan), who also received cash and sponsored prizes. Speaking to the press after the event yesterday, Mike admitted that he had not expected to win. "I was actually not interested in joining this competition at first. "However, due to encouragement from my parents, family, and friends, I willingly and openly decided to take part. "I realised that, as young people, we must continue the legacy of our own cultural heritage here in Sabah," said Mike, who modelled the Garung Lapoi of Dusun Liwan Ranau during the competition. He described BTK as an important platform for promoting indigenous identity and urged more youth to take part. "This isn't just a pageant — it's a call to uphold our traditions." Mike said he plans to work closely with the BTK organisers to realise his manifesto, which includes organising a programme called Citra Budaya Generasi Muda, aimed at engaging youth through cultural education and outreach. "I hope that this victory can change my life. "As a winner, I also hope to become a good leader for the next generation, both directly and indirectly," he said. First introduced in 2008, BTK was officially recognised this year as a permanent annual event under the main committee of the state-level Kaamatan Festival. The event celebrates the cultural richness of Sabah's Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) communities and aims to groom future cultural ambassadors with strong leadership qualities, heritage knowledge, and pride in their roots.
Daily Express
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Stricter enforcement for this year's State-level Kaamatan celebrations
Published on: Friday, May 23, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 23, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Jeffrey (middle) and the KDCA organising committee during the press conference. Kota Kinabalu: The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) announced stricter enforcement for this year's State-level Kaamatan celebrations, promising a more organised, family-friendly and culturally respectful event. KDCA Deputy President and Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the festival, set to culminate on May 30 and 31 at the KDCA grounds in Penampang, would no longer tolerate unruly behaviour such as table dancing, excessive drinking, or music blaring past permitted hours. 'Last year, we saw several issues, including noise complaints and operators violating closing hours. 'This year, all music will stop by 1am sharp, and stricter penalties will be imposed for any breaches,' he told a press conference, Thursday. Traditional houses are expected to uphold cultural authenticity and only serve traditional foods and drinks. He said operators caught selling non-traditional alcoholic beverages or remaining open beyond permitted hours risk being compounded up to RM1,000. Advertisement 'Last year, six houses were fined for such violations… We want the celebration to reflect our rich culture, not over-indulgence,' he stressed. KDCA also reduced stall rental fees this year, with rates starting as low as RM2,500 compared to RM7,000 last year in a move to promote broader participation and economic inclusivity. The issue of overpriced food items has been publicly criticised for years, with regular allegations of monopoly through subleasing stall lots. Multiple viral videos showing the consequences of excessive drinking at the fairgrounds have become the subject of ridicule by certain quarters, ironically dubbed the 'spirit' of the KDMR. Jeffrey hopes the event will attract not just local visitors but also investors who see potential in Sabah's culture and biodiversity. Festival highlights include the rebranding of the iconic Mr Kaamatan competition to Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan, increased inter-state participation and continued collaboration with international partners like the Food and Culture Organisation and International Union for Conservation of Nature. On top of the cultural celebration, programmes such as Seed Spirit Revival linked to global biodiversity and food security initiatives will also take centre stage. The national-level opening ceremony will be officiated by the Prime Minister on May 30, and the closing by the Head of State the day after. * 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
