KOTA KINABALU – In efforts to encourage digitalisation and youth participation, Sabah’s online Kaamatan festival will have a Kaamatan TV, as well as TikTok challenges and a best influencer award.
“We encourage youth to participate as they are our future generation,” said state Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan.
“Their participation will mean upholding our culture and tradition, and continuing the usage of our language (Kadazandusun Murut).”
Jeffrey, who is Kaamatan Celebration Committee 2021 chairman, said this when launching the Kaamatan month in Hongkod Koisaan Cultural Hall in Penampang, here, today.
The ceremony was broadcast live on Facebook.
Huguan Siou (Kadazandusun Murut leader) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan was, however, absent during the ceremony, and represented by Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Ceasar Mandela Malakun.
Malakun told The Vibes that Joseph had another function to attend.
Present were Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang and Penampang MP Datuk Darell Leiking.
Jeffrey said he is thankful that Sabah has the opportunity to celebrate Kaamatan this year, although it is conducted online.
He hopes the festival, themed “borderless Kaamatan for peace and reconciliation”, will teach people to be thankful of God’s gift, including agricultural crops.
The celebration goes on for a month and will include the “Sogit Pipabasan” and “Seed Survival” ceremonies, as well as the anticipated Sugandoi (singing competition) and Unduk Ngadau (beauty pageant).
The Kaamatan festival was not held last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is observed from May 1 until May 31. – The Vibes, May 1, 2021
