KOTA KINABALU: The Kaamatan festival, which is widely celebrated throughout the state, is symbolic of the harmony and unity among Sabahans, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

       “I believe the spirit of unity shown through this festival will always be preserved and an example to spur further development and progress in Sabah.

       “This festival can unite the people of various races, religions and cultural backgrounds in the state,” the Chief Minister said at the closing ceremony of the month-long festival at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) hall in Penampang, near here, yesterday.

       Hajiji also expressed his delight at finally having the opportunity to meet and celebrate Kaamatan with the people as the event was only limited to virtual celebrations in the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       He said he hopes the festival – themed Kaamatan Menjiwai Alam Semula Jadi (Kaamatan Ensouls Nature) this year – will be further enhanced to represent the success of integration and understanding among the plethora of races in Sabah.

       “Sabah is unique and special because of its harmony and colourful cultures, besides being blessed with a beautiful natural environment that can attract more domestic and foreign visitors,” he said.

       Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin officiated at the closing, which was also attended by his consort Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, the Chief Minister’s wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who was also chairman of the state-level Pesta Kaamatan main organising committee.

       Meanwhile, Hajiji said the state government had allocated some RM9.5mil to the Sabah Cultural Board and a further RM400,000 to cultural associations under the 2022 state budget for the implementation of various cultural, art and linguistic programmes.

       He said this was an effort to ensure the traditions and customs of the various ethnic groups in Sabah, which are a valuable asset for the tourism sector, would continue to be preserved.

       “A cultural development plan will be enacted to bring Sabahan heritage to a higher level,” he added.

       Among the strategies to be implemented, he said, was a digitalisation drive to improve data access on matters related to culture, ethnic groups and the state’s heritage.