KOTA KINABALU: Visitors attending Kaamatan festivities here have been warned to behave or face “sogit” (traditional penalty).
Kadazandusun Cultural Association deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said sogit, whether in kind or in cash, will be enforced on offenders, regardless of whether they are locals or foreigners.
“We received numerous reports of misbehaviour at events, from fights to indecent acts.
“We aim to curb this trend because such conduct tarnishes the traditional festival’s reputation,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
The Tadau Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) is expected to be launched by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the Ranau Community Hall on May 1.
Kitingan, who is the Deputy Chief Minister and state Kaamatan festival organising chairman, said advisories on the dos and don’ts will be placed at all event areas, and those breaching the rules and regulations will be brought before the Native Court.
Traditionally, sogit involves blood penalties by slaughtering animals such as chicken, pig or buffalo, depending on the severity of the offence.
However, the Native Court may also order that any penalty or compensation be paid in cash.
Kaamatan, one of Sabah’s biggest traditional festivals, is a celebration of the ethnic Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus communities which will be held across the state throughout the month of May, before culminating with the state-level celebration on May 30 and 31.
