A 1,500-Metre Symbol of Unity: Sabah Makes History with Record-Breaking Yee Sang Toss

8 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: In a powerful display of unity, culture and shared celebration, Sabah etched its name into the record books by achieving both Asia Records and ASEAN Records for the longest muhibbah kongsi raya yee sang toss, measuring an extraordinary 1,500 metres.

The historic moment unfolded at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), transforming a traditional festive ritual into a living symbol of Sabah’s multicultural identity.

The record recognition plaques were formally presented to Borneo Referral Group founder and Chief Executive Officer Brandon Chin by ASEAN Records Executive Director Eldrik Koh, marking a milestone not only for Sabah but for the wider ASEAN region.

The event was witnessed by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, underscoring the state government’s support for initiatives that celebrate unity through diversity.

Held over three days from 6 to 8 February, the event brought together communities from across Sabah, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. For Chin, the objective went far beyond breaking records.

“We want to celebrate festivals as a community and show that despite our diverse backgrounds, we are united,” he said.

The muhibbah kongsi raya yee sang, a unique blend of cultural traditions, symbolised the coming together of people through food, heritage and shared values. It reflected Sabah’s distinctive social fabric, where harmony is not merely an ideal, but a lived reality.

The concept was developed in collaboration with the Borneo Culinary Association and renowned Sabah and Sarawak chef Dion Jee, combining culinary expertise with a deeper cultural purpose.

“We wanted to do something meaningful that truly brings cultures and communities together,” Chin explained. “The 1,500-metre yee sang became that symbol.”

Behind the spectacle lay months of careful planning and cooperation, involving community groups, industry partners and volunteers.

Chin said the initiative was driven by two key objectives. The first was to showcase Sabah as a state defined by diversity, unity and peaceful coexistence.

“This is Sabah, where people live together in harmony despite differences in culture, race and religion,” he said.

The second objective was to elevate Sabah’s visibility at the ASEAN level.

“ASEAN comprises 11 countries, and setting an ASEAN record helps spark interest and engagement,” he noted. “From there, opportunities in tourism, trade and business can grow.”

The achievement was officially endorsed and certified by the ASEAN Records Secretariat, further cementing Sabah’s position on the regional stage.

Approximately 600 participants took part in the record-breaking toss, including ethnic associations, students, volunteers, business leaders and members of the public. The Sabah Tourism Board alone brought together representatives from 35 ethnic groups, a testament to the state’s rich cultural mosaic.

More than 300 volunteers worked tirelessly over three days to ensure the event’s success. The record attempt utilised approximately 169 kilogrammes of yee sang ingredients, sourced both locally and internationally, a fitting reflection of Sabah’s openness to the world.

Preparations for the event took more than six months, supported by numerous sponsors and partners who shared the vision of unity through celebration.

Describing the achievement as a beginning rather than a conclusion, Chin said the milestone opens the door to greater regional collaboration.

“This is just the seed,” he said. “We hope Sabah can achieve more ASEAN-level initiatives in the future.”

For now, the 1,500-metre yee sang stands as more than a record, it is a vivid reminder that in Sabah, diversity is not a barrier, but a strength woven into every shared celebration.