KOTA KINABALU: Enjoy responsibly and don’t throw caution to the wind, Sabah Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun reminds those who are celebrating Kaamatan here.

       “(Based on figures) 73% of all new cases Monday (May 30) were sporadic infections.

       “The virus is still in the community. Only the vaccine’s efficacy is saving us from more serious effects of the infection,” he said.

       Sabah recorded 41 new cases on Monday, a marginal increase compared to 39 infections the day before.

       Kota Kinabalu is the only district reporting double-digit infections at 19, up from 13 previously.

       Zero new cases were reported in 19 districts within the last 24 hours, Masidi added.

       Kaamatan, the harvest festival celebrated by the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) communities in Sabah, is a popular holiday that is also enjoyed by people across the state.

       Crowds are expected to throng the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA venue in Penampang on Monday and Tuesday (May 31) from day to night, where stalls selling food, beverages and handicraft have been set up outside the hall.

       It was previously reported that entry to the hall – where the Unduk Ngadau (beauty pageant) competition is taking place – is being limited, and the public is reminded to practise caution when visiting the stalls and traditional houses outside, including to continue wearing face masks.

       When asked whether a spike in Covid-19 cases could be expected, Masidi said the full effect of the state-level celebration would only be seen after a week or so.

       "However, the vaccination will spare many people from more serious effects of infection, despite the higher number of cases," he added.