Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor pouring the harvested rice into the Lingkut to symbolise the launch of the Kaamatan Festival 2025 in Tambunan on Thursday (May 1).
KOTA KINABALU: This year’s month-long Tadau Kaamatan festival was officially launched in the picturesque district of Tambunan, often called the “Switzerland of the East” for its cool climate, lush greenery, and rolling hills, with a focus on unity, inclusivity, and a renewed commitment to rural development.
Themed “Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan” (Kaamatan For All), the vibrant celebrations commenced with lively cultural performances at Pisompuruan Hall in Tambunan on Thursday (May 1).
The festivities will unfold across Sabah, culminating in the state-level celebration at the KadazanDusun Cultural Association's (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on May 30 and 31.
This event also marked the start of the annual search for Sabah’s Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Queen), a key highlight that draws participants from all districts and Sabahans living in other states.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor officiated the launch by symbolically pouring paddy into the lingkut (traditional rice storage made from tree bark), cutting padi stalks, and striking the gong.
He stressed that Kaamatan was not only a cultural event but a celebration of unity and a shared identity among all Sabahans.
“Kaamatan does not belong to one group alone, it is a celebration that embraces everyone, regardless of race, religion, or background,” he said.
Hajiji also explained that this year’s theme carries an inclusive message that celebrates the diversity that makes Sabah unique.
“Kaamatan is no longer just a harvest festival. It has become a symbol of unity, a space for us to get to know, respect, and celebrate each other’s cultural uniqueness.
“The theme also reflects the state government’s commitment to uniting Sabahans from all walks of life in celebrating our rich and diverse cultural heritage,” Hajiji added.
He further explained that the festival aligns with the spirit of Malaysia Madani, which promotes values such as human dignity, mutual respect, and inclusivity.
In his address, Hajiji highlighted several key government initiatives aimed at empowering rural communities.
These included the Rural Agricultural Economic Revolution Programme (REPLB), which focuses on improving agricultural productivity, food security, and self-reliance among farmers and agropreneurs.
“This programme aims not only to boost agricultural yields but also to empower rural communities, particularly the poor and those facing extreme poverty, by creating job opportunities, encouraging youth to return to their villages, and fostering prosperity and unity,” he said.
Hajiji also stressed the importance of increasing Sabah’s food self-sufficiency level (SSL), which currently stands at 22.8%.
To achieve this, the government has revived the Sabah Rice and Rice Board (LPBS) and is working to rehabilitate 22,146ha of idle padi fields in districts such as Tuaran, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Keningau, Papar, and Tambunan.
“This effort supports our goal of increasing Sabah’s SSL to 30% by 2026 and 60% by 2030.
“By leveraging modern technology, supply chain support systems, and opening new market opportunities, this programme will enable rural communities to become key players in Sabah’s economy,” Hajiji said.
He also noted that developing the rural economy is vital for promoting unity and social stability.
“As income levels rise, job opportunities will grow, and young people will return to their villages with fresh knowledge and hope. This will strengthen our communities, making them more united and prosperous,” he added.
In line with grassroots empowerment, Hajiji also announced that the Sabah Native Court Enactment 1992 would soon be replaced by the Sabah Native Court Enactment 2025, designed to streamline and strengthen the Native Court system.
The draft of the new enactment is currently under review by several key state agencies, including the State Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, before it is presented to the State Cabinet and State Assembly.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to modernising and strengthening institutions that directly serve the people,” said Hajiji.
He stressed that these efforts, spanning cultural, legal, and economic reforms, demonstrate the government’s dedication to fostering a harmonious, progressive, and inclusive Sabah.
Also present were Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, and Huguan Siou (the Paramount Leader of the Kadazandusun and Murut) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, among others.
