RANAU: The Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) communities are urged to make the Kaamatan Festival a catalyst to strengthen unity with other ethnic groups in Malaysia.

Deputy Minister II, Ministry of Home Affairs, Datuk Jonathan Yasin, said although in the past the festivity was only celebrated by KDMR tribes at the rural, mukim and district levels, now it is celebrated at the State and national levels involving all races regardless of religion, culture or political affiliation.

He said Kaamatan Festival is now a Malaysian family festival that can highlight the spirit of togetherness through culture such as food, traditional clothing and traditional dance, among others.