Jeffrey Kitingan presenting a memento to Musa.
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate Sabah’s Kaamatan Festival on Friday (May 30).
State Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, said this year’s theme, ‘Kaamatan for All,’ highlights the festival as a national event that unites people and generates economic benefits.
“The PM is scheduled to attend and officiate the opening ceremony, while Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman is expected to close the event on May 31,” he said.
He made these remarks after paying a courtesy call to Musa at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Monday (May 19).
Kitingan, who is the state-level Kaamatan organising chairperson, said some main highlights include the Unduk Ngadau competition, cultural performances, visits to traditional houses, and traditional food and beverages for sale.
“We hope the event this year will proceed smoothly, with more visitors coming from within and outside Sabah,” he said.
Invitations have been extended to expats, ambassadors, and investors as well, he added.
Kitingan said while Kaamatan, or the Harvest Festival, used to be celebrated solely in Sabah, it has expanded to other states, including Sarawak, and overseas.
The economic and social impact is tremendous, he said, adding that tourism players and traders from villages and outskirts also benefit from this celebration.
It also gives local products better chances of being exposed and introduced outside Sabah, and even overseas, he stated.
