Kaamatan Festival Strengthens Cultural Heritage in Kg. Muhibbah

20 June 2025

KENINGAU: The Kaamatan Festival celebration in Kampung Muhibbah continues to serve as a vital platform for preserving and promoting traditional customs, with strong community support and leadership commitment helping to ensure the vibrancy of this cultural heritage.

Held annually to celebrate the rice harvest and honour ancestral traditions, the local Kaamatan event has drawn renewed enthusiasm this year with the support of Liawan State Assemblyman, Datuk Annuar Ayub Aman. His contribution, aimed at supporting the smooth organisation of the festivities, underlines the importance of safeguarding Sabah’s rich indigenous culture at the village level.

The donation was formally handed over by Patikang Subdistrict Development Officer, Zailani Abdullah, on behalf of Annuar, to Rayson Justin, a representative of the Kampung Muhibbah Sugandoi Kaamatan Committee. The brief handover ceremony took place at the Liawan Unit for Community Development Leaders (UPPM) Office.

Speaking during the event, Zailani emphasised that Kaamatan is more than a cultural celebration, it is a reflection of identity and unity among the diverse communities in Sabah. He noted that Annuar remains committed to supporting grassroots initiatives that uphold traditional values and foster community cohesion.

“He consistently backs efforts that strengthen the cultural identity of our multiracial society. The Kaamatan celebration is an ideal avenue to reinforce these values and bring people together in unity and pride,” said Zailani.

Rayson Justin, receiving the contribution on behalf of the organising committee, expressed gratitude for the support. He said the encouragement shown by local leadership had boosted morale among committee members and villagers, inspiring a more lively and well-organised festival.

The celebration in Kampung Muhibbah not only honours the age-old traditions of the Kadazandusun and Murut communities but also serves as a living testament to the relevance of cultural preservation in modern times.