Ramadan Iftar at Walai Tokou, Celebration of a Community

Kohadie (right) receiving rice packs for distribution from Wasidi Wasli Deputy Manager of Kinabalu Farmers Organisation Ranau

8 March 2026

KUNDASANG: Twenty members of the Asnaf community received rice and food baskets during the Ramadan Iftar held at Walai Tokou Homestay Hall in Kg Sinisian yesterday. The recipients, identified by their village community leaders, hailed from the surrounding areas.

The event was a collaborative Iftar organised jointly by the Sabah Dusun Muslim Organisation (PDIS), Walai Tokou Homestay, Kg Sinisian Neighbourhood Watch, and the Kinabalu Farmers Organisation Ranau, exemplifying strong community cooperation.

Kohadie Watiman, Coordinator of Walai Tokou Homestay and Vice President of PDIS, highlighted the vibrant community spirit, emphasising that unity is fundamental to their success.

“Unity is evident when we come together for Iftar, listen to religious teachings, and share a meal to honour our fasting day,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of supporting the less fortunate during the event, which extended beyond breaking fast to include the distribution of essential food items and cash donations to twenty vulnerable individuals, such as orphans, the elderly, and the needy. These contributions were made by local residents, organisations, and the village cooperative, demonstrating collective effort in community support.

In his speech, Kohadie conveyed a message from PDIS President Datuk Raisin Saidin, outlining the organisation’s vision and mission.

“The primary goal of PDIS is to strengthen the faith and understanding of Islam among the Dusun community. This aligns with our foundational aim of fostering religious knowledge and unity, ensuring our community remains steadfast in faith while embracing our cultural traditions,” he explained.

Beyond religious development, the organisation is dedicated to cultural preservation, particularly of Eid al-Fitr celebrations and other customs unique to the Dusun people. These initiatives help reinforce community bonds and uphold Sabah’s rich indigenous heritage.

Kohadie also talked about helping the community grow by providing education and leadership training. The goal is to create knowledgeable and confident local leaders who can make positive changes. Improving the community’s economy is also important, with programmes to help people become more financially stable and independent.

On tourism, he shared that he observed positive trends in tourism, noting that the homestay programme has been recovering well post-pandemic. Currently, the village’s 85 accommodation enjoy occupancy rates of 70–80%, with international visitors returning the second year, post-covid. Tourists often book packages that include activities such as mountain climbing and beach visits, typically staying around three days.

Kohadie who is the Deputy President Homestay Malaysia expressed optimism about the future, highlighting ongoing initiatives to promote local culture, cuisine, and community-based activities. He also shared that the village has hosted similar events for over a decade, with a brief pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ramadan Iftar at Walai Tokou Community Hall strengthened communal ties and showcased the village’s growing appeal as a tourist destination. Kohadie welcomed visitors to join in the events organised by the community there periodically. He reaffirmed the community’s commitment to sustainable tourism and cultural preservation in Kampung Sinisian.

The event was attended by approximately 70 people from the Homestay including community leaders from the surrounding area.