KOTA KINABALU: The puff of a blowpipe dart, the cheers of tug-of-war teams and the rhythmic movements of traditional dancers brought Sabah’s rich cultural heritage to life as thousands gathered for the state-level Kaamatan celebrations.
At SMK Bahang in Penampang, participants competed in a range of traditional games and skills once essential to village life, while festivities at Hongkod Koisaan showcased the customs, dances and traditions that continue to define Sabah’s diverse communities.
Among the crowd was 56-year-old Mary Jimi, who focused intently on a small wooden board during the mobpiri fire-lighting competition.
Using only friction and a wooden stick, competitors raced to produce the first sign of smoke, a skill that predates modern matches and lighters.
“I’m here to have fun. It’s not really about winning. As orang kampung, we grew up seeing and learning these things,” said the Penampang Dusun.
The traditional sports competition attracted about 500 participants and featured events such as monungkava kalabau (buffalo roping), monopuk (blowpipe shooting), momolositik (slingshot shooting) and manandus (spear throwing), all inspired by skills once used in farming, hunting and daily village life.
Padi-related activities, including measuring and pounding rice, offered visitors a glimpse into the labour-intensive work behind the harvest season that Kaamatan celebrates.
Elsewhere, the tug-of-war arena drew some of the loudest cheers, with village teams arriving in matching jerseys after weeks of training.
“We don’t just come here and pull the rope. We train together beforehand,” said participant Tonny, who was competing for the third year.
“More importantly, it brings people together. We spend time together, train together and support one another. That’s the best part.”
Sabah Youth, Sports Development and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said the growing popularity of the traditional sports competition reflected increasing public interest in Sabah’s heritage.
“People come not just to watch, but to understand how our communities lived in the past. It has become part of the Kaamatan experience,” he said.
The cultural celebrations continued at Hongkod Koisaan, where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially launched the state-level festivities.
The ceremony opened with the Mundung Solungan dance, a traditional performance symbolising unity, peace and protection for a newly established village or community.
Anwar, accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and other state leaders, also took part in a symbolic padi-harvesting ceremony.
In his address, Anwar pledged that the rights of Sabah and the interests of all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, would continue to be respected.
He called on the people to preserve unity and harmony, stressing that the government remained committed to ensuring inclusive development for the state and nation.
After the ceremony, the Prime Minister toured traditional ethnic houses, including those of the Rungus, Murut, Kadazandusun and Bisaya communities, where he was introduced to local handicrafts, cuisine and cultural performances.
Kaamatan organising chairman Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam reminded Sabahans that the festival was ultimately about gratitude, unity and togetherness.
Joachim also thanked the state and federal governments for helping to improve the quality of life of Sabahans through various development and socio-economic programmes.
“We have to accept the fact that Sabah, being a large state, still needs more funding from the Federal Government. We hope there will be positive news regarding the 40% revenue entitlement that Sabahans have long been waiting for,” he said.
The month-long celebration culminates with the highly anticipated Unduk Ngadau grand final, one of Sabah’s most cherished annual cultural events.
The woman crowned Unduk Ngadau will be tasked with promoting Sabah’s unique cultures and places of interest, as well as carrying out social and charitable programmes.
