The State Kaamatan Organising Committee has taken several fresh approaches to make Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) a culture and tradition that is shared throughout the world.
Among them is collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) to preserve and maintain certain elements of the festival.
“We will identify the aspects such as traditional costumes, food and music,” said State Kaamatan Festival Main Organising Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Dr Jeffrey, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, said they aspire to have at least seven elements inscribed with Unesco.
“We hope to be able to make the Kaamatan Festival a culture and tradition known all over the world,” he told a press conference to announce programmes lined up for the 2023 State-level Kaamatan Festival in Penampang on April 29.
Tuaran will host the launch of this year’s month-long Kaamatan Festival celebration.
Dr Jeffrey said a number of existing programmes have been planned, including the Unduk Ngadau contest, traditional music competition, Sugandoi singing competition, traditional sports competition and traditional delicacies and beverages competition from April 27 to May 30.
He said they would also continue to utilise online platforms such TikTok and YouTube to promote the Kaamatan Festival internationally.
“We are also considering expanding our collaboration with the United Nations Biodiversity Centre, where we will collaborate on the World Biodiversity Day.
“We will be gathering seedlings, branches, or stalks of fruits, medicinal herbs, paddy and other plants that we believe are nearly extinct.
“We want to save these plants, collect them and plant them in the prepared agricultural areas, one at the Tenom Agricultural Park and the other at the Tuaran Research Centre. This is to ensure that these plants do not become extinct.
“For food security, we will collaborate with the Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome,” said Dr Jeffrey, who is also State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister.
He said they also hoped to establish a standard that would be recognised at all levels of competitions held in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival.
“We need a standard that is recognised not only by our country but also by the rest of the world.
“Right now, our country is part of the global nation, and with digitalisation technology, we have to operate at that level, which means we have to set a standard,” he said.
He said the Kaamatan Festival is held, among other things, to promote the country’s economy, investments and tourism.
“That is why now each Unduk Ngadau who represents a district or state will be asked to put together a video to promote the district or a tourism product in their area.
“These are all the derivatives from this celebration, it will undoubtedly have a positive economic impact, among other things,” he said. Dr Jeffrey also advised all to adhere to health standard operating procedures throughout the festive period, as well as enjoy the festivities in moderation and discipline.
