Marcel Simok
Sabah plans to take its annual Kaamatan festival to an international level, with a focus on digitalization and links with the United Nations (UN). The festival, celebrated by the Kadazandusun and Murut communities, is a significant cultural and traditional event that marks the end of the rice harvest season.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also the State Kaamatan Festival’s main organizing chairman, believes the digitalization and links with the UN will elevate the festival’s status.
Digitalizing the Kaamatan festival
Kitingan said that Sabah TV broadcasts and social media platforms, including TikTok and YouTube, would be used to internationalize the festival. He added that making Kaamatan a nationwide event would help strengthen unity in Malaysia.
This year’s festival, themed “Kaamatan Membudayakan Perpaduan” or “Kaamatan develops unity through culture,” will run from May 1 to May 31. The launch will take place in the Tuaran district, 30km from Kota Kinabalu city centre, and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor will officiate the event.
Collaboration with United Nations
In addition to digitalization, Sabah plans to collaborate with the United Nations Biodiversity Centre to conserve endangered plants, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for food security, and with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to register some aspects of Kaamatan at the international level. The state’s collaboration with the UN is aimed at showcasing the cultural and traditional values of the festival to the world.
“Kaamatan is a unique cultural heritage, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it continues to be celebrated and cherished,” said Kitingan.
“By linking it to the UN and digitalizing it, we can bring Kaamatan to the world and let everyone know the significance of this festival.”
Kaamatan celebration in Penampang
The climax of the Kaamatan festival will be held in Penampang on May 30 and 31. The district is home to the Sabah Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) hall, which hosted the press conference where Kitingan made the announcement about the festival’s internationalization plans. The festival is expected to feature traditional Kadazandusun and Murut performances, cultural exhibitions, and food festivals.
In conclusion, digitalization and links with the United Nations mark a significant step forward for the Kaamatan festival. Sabah’s efforts to showcase the festival’s cultural and traditional values on an international level will undoubtedly help preserve and promote the festival for future generations.
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