Kaamatan strengthens village unity, says Ewon

2 June 2026

KOTA BELUD: Deputy Chief Minister III and Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Ewon Benedick said the Kaamatan festival is an important platform for reinforcing togetherness, cooperation and unity among the state’s multi‑ethnic and multi‑faith communities.

He said that spirit of cooperation and unity must be continuously strengthened because it is Sabahans’ main strength in preserving harmony.

“These values have long been the foundation of Sabahans’ ability to maintain harmony, peace and stability.

“I appreciate the unity, teamwork and solidarity shown by the villagers in Kadamaian in making Kaamatan celebrations a success in each village,” he added.

He made the remarks while officiating at Kaamatan celebrations in several villages within the Kadamaian area here the day before yesterday.

Ewon, who is also the Kadamaian state assemblyman (ADUN), visited four villages holding Kaamatan events: Kampung Piasau, Kampung Talungan, Kampung Terintidon and Kampung Sayap.

He said 16 villages in the Kadamaian area held simultaneous Kaamatan celebrations that day.

“For the other villages I could not visit, I deputised my Political Secretary, the Community Development Leader (PPM) and Community Development Officers to deliver my greetings and represent me,” he said.

He also presented several contributions from the ADUN touchpoint allocation to assist community needs and village development.

In Kampung Piasau, he handed over RM20,000 to the Kampung Piasau Paddy Farmers’ Welfare Association and RM5,000 to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) for installation of a water meter and maintenance of the hall’s pipework.

For Kampung Talungan, RM10,000 was channelled for the purchase of shared cooking equipment and repainting the village sepak takraw court.

In Kampung Terintidon, he presented RM10,000 for procurement of piping for a gravity water supply, RM6,000 for construction of a parang‑making workshop and RM4,000 for a community workday to repair agricultural access roads.

Meanwhile, Kampung Sayap received RM10,000 for the purchase of shared chairs for the village hall.

Ewon also agreed to allocate funds to upgrade the road to the burial ground, refurbish the open hall and build a raised platform (astaka) at the village field.