KOTA KINABALU: On Christmas Eve, Sabahans are preparing for a heartwarming celebration, as the unique cultural blend of people here lends a distinctive charm to the festivities.
In the heart of Kota Kinabalu city, marketing officer Stella Nuhudan, 34, is busy orchestrating a grand Christmas meal for her family, which includes jeruk Bambangan, a tangy fermented local mango that is a staple in Sabahan cuisine.
"In the West, they usually have roast turkey (for Christmas dinner), but here, we have barbequed chicken wings and drumstick, with jeruk Bambangan to eat with rice, fish soup and many more,” she said when contacted by Bernama on Tuesday (Dec 24).
Stella, a member of the Dusun community, said what truly matters is spending time together sharing stories, laughing and singing carols late into the night, remembering who they are and where they had come from.
"After attending Mass, we’ll visit neighbours and relatives, exchanging food and well-wishes. It’s not just our own family; it’s about the entire community coming together. There’s always gong, kulintangan (small gong) music and dancing... it’s so joyful,” she said.
As for civil engineer Jonathan Luping, 45, he endured a six-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu to his remote village in Tenom yesterday to celebrate Christmas with his parents and siblings.
"Christmas in the kampung is special. It’s quiet, with simple but meaningful traditions. We start the day with Church and then have a family meal with lots of Sabahan classics like sambal lada and Manok Pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo),” said the Murut native.
Factory supervisor Jeremiah Edward, 29, flew back to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur yesterday to reunite with his family this festive season. Despite the hefty airfare, he said it was worth every penny.
"The ticket costs between RM600 and RM1,000, but celebrating Christmas in Sabah is incomparable. Although the celebration in Kuala Lumpur may be more festive, celebrating with family and our local tradition in Penampang is better for me,” he said.
The Kadazan native said he is especially looking forward to enjoying hinava, a type of fish salad, and tuhau, a fermented wild ginger, alongside traditional Christmas dishes after being away for more than a year.
Meanwhile, Sabah Fire and Rescue Department director Jainal @ Zainal Madasin reminded the public to prioritise the safety of themselves, their families and properties during the festive season.
"Festivals are often associated with an increased risk of fire and accidents, so I urge the community to stay alert and take precautionary measures to ensure this celebration is conducted safely and harmoniously.
"Make sure to check all electrical appliances, avoid overloading socket connections, and turn off switches before going to bed or leaving the house. Also, if you are using candles for decoration or religious purposes, place them in safe locations away from flammable materials,” he added. – Bernama
