KOTA KINABALU: The people have been reminded to celebrate Kaamatan this year moderately, avoiding physical gatherings in order to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam said despite the spirit of the harvest festival which normally brings people together, unfortunately the situation this time around is not conducive for such socialising.
In a statement Saturday (May 29), he reminded the public to continue to adhere to the set standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The Kaamatan month usually culminates with the Unduk Ngadau (beauty pageant) winner being crowned at the end of May, with thousands normally visiting the stalls erected at Hongkod Koisaan, KDCA in Penampang during the two-day event on May 30 and 31.
However, following the Covid-19 outbreak last year, there was no state-level celebration for the public. This year, the borderless Kaamatan was a virtual affair, where all the beauty queen programmes were being aired online, including the upcoming final rounds and crowning on May 31.
Joachim, who is also state Industrial Development Minister, urged the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) communities to celebrate Kaamatan moderately, as everyone played a role in ensuring the fight against Covid-19 is successful.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag attended the Unduk Ngadau Sodop Pintutunan (Gala Night) at Hongkod Koisaan on Friday (May 28) night, where three subsidiary titles were issued.
The event was live streamed on Facebook.
Tracy Sinidol from Tambunan won the subsidiary title of Tati Topiodo (Miss Natural Beauty), while Maya Hejnowska, representing Api Api, won the Tati Tosuau (Miss Friendly) and Luyang’s Emily Chung won the Basaan Tinandai Togingo (Best Dress) title.
