'Sogit' for visitors who flout native laws this Kaamatan, warns Jeffrey Kitingan

ANTICIPATION fills the air as the month-long Kaamatan Harvest Festival, commencing from May 1, draws near.

But amidst the festive enthusiasm, a solemn reminder resonates – attendees are advised to behave or risk being slapped with the traditional fines known as “sogit”.

Festival organising chairman Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has urged all to observe tradition and upholding decorum at all Kaamatan social events.

Failure to do so may result in penalties under the native customary laws, he said.

"We urge all visitors to adhere to the rules and customs set forth. Let us not repeat the past missteps that have marred the essence of the Kaamatan.

“The guidelines on the dos and don’ts have been established in accordance with the traditional prohibitions and regulations. They will be put on display at all the venues,” he said at a press conference on the launching of the Kaamatan harvest festival this year.

Themed as “Beyond Food Security”, this year’s Kaamatan Harvest Festival will start in Ranau on May 1, with festivities scheduled across all Sabah districts until close to the end of the month.  

The festival will culminate at the KadazanDusun Cultural Hall or the Hongkod Koisaan  (Unity Hall) in Penampang on May 31 for the main festivities.

Various activities will be held at all these events, which also include among others cultural games, the Unduk Ngadau beauty contests, the Sugandoi singing competition and others.

Alcoholic beverages are usually served to visitors as part of the common practice.

Jeffrey said those who flout the rules will have to pay the “Sogit” or traditional fines determined by the respective district native courts and these rules apply to all, including foreign visitors.

Among the prohibited behaviours include fighting, coercion, harassment and indecent misconduct, he said.

However, criminal activities will be referred to the authorities for prosecution, Jeffrey added.

Jeffrey said operators of the traditional houses have also been told to observe the laws as they are not allowed to hold activities deemed public nuisance after 12am.

For several years, operators have been found to have transformed the cultural houses as night pubs with loud music and entertainment.

The Sabah deputy chief minister also noted that delegates from Sarawak and Kalimantan indigenous are also expected to be in attendance amidst the festival.

He also said an invitation had also been extended to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to grace the main Kaamatan Harvest Festival celebrations at the KDCA Hall in Penampang at month's end.  – The Vibes, April 26, 2024.