Let’s celebrate: Hajiji pouring the padi seeds into the lingkut to officially start the Tadau Kaamatan festival in Tambunan.
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 yesterday.
The festivities will unfold across Sabah, culminating in the state-level celebration at the Kadazan Dusun 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 padi seeds 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.”
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 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, which focuses on improving agricultural productivity, food security and self-reliance among farmers and agropreneurs.
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 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.
“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.”
