KUNAK: Elisheeba Gloria Herbert, a 25-year-old teacher, was crowned Kunak Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan on Saturday.She received a cash prize of RM2,000, a crown, trophy and other sponsored items.
SPM graduate, Savrina Sinily Valentine, 18, placed second and took home a cash prize of RM800, a trophy and a bouquet of flowers.
Stephanie Jeffrey, 20, an Institute of Higher Learning (IPT) student came in third and received RM700 cash, a trophy and a bouquet of flowers.
The “Miss Popular” title was awarded to 21-year-old Cherisse Tadius – a new category introduced by the organisers this year.
Meanwhile, Kunak District Officer Awang Mohd Yusoff expressed gratitude and relief that the Kaamatan festival could be celebrated physically after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Kaamatan celebration is a solid platform to foster bonds of brotherhood, friendship and unity which has become a practice and culture of Sabah’s multiracial community, aligned with the Malaysian Family concept,” he said earlier during the launch.
He added that the theme of this year’s festival “Kaamatan Ensouls Nature” raises awareness on the importance of conserving nature.
“The nature bestowed on us on this earth is an economic resource that needs to be explored sustainably without destruction.
“Its flora and fauna need to be preserved and ecosystems not disturbed. The Kaamatan theme is also very significant with the direction of Sabah Maju Jaya which focuses on economic recovery with taking into account green sustainability.
“Natural resources that are preserved are the backbone of our survival today as well as future generations,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to the organisers for making this year’s Kaamatan celebration a success.
Although it was conducted modestly, it was enlivened by the presence of the multi-racial community in the district, especially during the Kaamatan Gala Night (Gala Night) which saw a large number of attendees.
“The cooperation between KDCA Kunak, with the District Secretariat successfully organised various filler activities for the Kaamatan celebration including community sports, football, Gala Night and Sugandoi,” he said.
