TUARAN – The Kaamatan Festival will continue to be a foundation for the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) communities to remain united, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the month-long harvest festival has become the venue to promote social unity and build a better understanding between the different ethnic groups.
He added that Kaamatan is also a place for the KDMR communities to exhibit their culture, dances, music, and traditional costumes.
There are 35 ethnic groups and 217 sub-ethnic groups in Sabah, said Hajiji, who also urged all of them to be proud of their heritage.
“The state government will always support any cultural and religious programmes.
“We believe such programmes could fortify unity among the communities and bestow upon themselves an opportunity to get to know, understand and appreciate the different cultures and practices of all races,” he said during the launch of the Kaamatan Harvest Festival at the Dewan Sri Sulaman, Tuaran here.
His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan.
Numerous activities will be held throughout the month-long Kaamatan Harvest festival such as the popular Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant, the Sugandoi Kaamatan traditional songs singing competition, and merrymaking from the district down to the village levels.
The festival is a time for giving thanks to the bountiful padi harvest. – The Vibes, May 1, 2023
