Kaamatan 2025: Authorities Call for Moderation and Vigilance Amid Festival Celebrations

Jeffery (fifth left) during the press conference

22 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: As Sabah prepares for the grand culmination of the Kaamatan Festival on 30 and 31 May, organisers have issued a clear reminder to revellers: celebrate with joy, but do so with care.

The Kaamatan Festival, rooted in thanksgiving and cultural unity, will see thousands gather at traditional houses, open-air performances, and food stalls across the state.

However, in light of past incidents involving excessive behaviour and late-night disturbances, authorities have announced tighter enforcement and renewed calls for moderation.

“Let us avoid excess, in eating, drinking, or merrymaking,” Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffery Kitingan , chairman of the State Harvest Festival Organising committee said during a press conference today.

“We want this festival to be remembered for its celebration of culture and community spirit—not for incidents that go viral for the wrong reasons,” he said.

"Security presence will be significantly increased during the main festival dates. Police, auxiliary officers, and designated festival marshals will be stationed throughout the venue to manage crowd control, enforce regulations, and respond to emergencies."

Traditional houses, which serve as key cultural showcases, will be monitored to ensure they maintain decorum and close music operations by 1am.

If they fail to comply they can be fined up to RM1,000 for operating beyond permitted hours.

“Operators and participants have been briefed. Any breach of regulation, particularly related to noise, alcohol, or safety will be met with immediate action.

While Kaamatan is traditionally a time of open hospitality and celebration, he is stressing the need for restraint, particularly around alcohol consumption.

Intoxicated individuals found causing disturbances will be detained for their safety and that of others. Food and beverage vendors are also being cautioned to practice discretion.

“We want a vibrant celebration, but we do not tolerate actions that disrespect the cultural integrity of Kaamatan,” he said.

This year’s theme, Kaamatan for All, underscores inclusivity and cross-regional collaboration. Representatives from Sarawak and seven locations across Peninsular Malaysia are participating in traditional competitions like the beauty pageant Unduk Ngadau and singing competition Sugandoi, Jeffery who is also the Deputy Chief Minister 1, as well as the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry said.

Plans are even underway for a future Borneo-wide Kaamatan collaboration with Sarawak.

Organisers have also taken steps to ease participation for vendors, reducing stall rental fees and eliminating sub-leasing practices, following feedback about high costs in previous years.

With cultural events, economic opportunities, and tourism all central to Kaamatan’s mission, officials remain hopeful that this year’s celebration will set a new standard, peaceful, joyful, and respectful.

“We want every visitor to enjoy themselves safely and responsibly,” Jeffery said.

“Kaamatan belongs to everyone. Let us honour it by protecting its spirit.”