Firmer approach to Kaamatan 2024. Behave or pay Sogit: Jeffrey
Published on: Saturday, April 27, 2024
By: Ricardo Unto
Jeffrey and others at the press conference.
Kota Kinabalu: The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) is taking a firmer approach to ensure no misbehaviour problems during this year’s State-level Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) celebration.
KDCA Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, also the State Kaamatan Festival Organising Chairperson, said the association would draw up and enforce regulations throughout the celebration at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA.
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“We want to avoid problems that occurred in the past, such as inappropriate dances and activities that go on until morning,” he said at a Kaamatan Festival press conference, here, Friday.
“We do not want this to happen because it tarnishes our image during the Kaamatan celebration.
“Therefore, we have established rules, including customary regulations, as well as the do’s and don’ts.
“We want to ensure that past incidents will not recur.”
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Jeffrey hopes everyone will celebrate Kaamatan responsibly, with discipline, pleasantness and proper manners.
“Let’s not exceed the limits by getting drunk everywhere and risking unwanted situations while driving.
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“We do not want that. Once you are drunk, you cannot enjoy anymore. So, let’s avoid that,” he said.
Jeffrey said if one is found to be breaking the set rules, they could face customary punishment, such as being imposed a “sogit” (traditional penance) or taken to the State Native Court.
“Among the offences are fighting, forcing people to drink, disturbing others and engaging in indecent behaviour.
“The rules apply to all visitors, including foreigners.”
He added that the operations of stalls at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA are also under the supervision of the Penampang District Council.
Furthermore, traditional houses at the Koisaan Cultural Village (KCV) are recognised by the Federal Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (Motac) as an international tourist destination, hence, there are several conditions that must be followed.
One of them is the time limit for operations, which cannot exceed 12am during the Kaamatan celebration at the premises.
If the stall operators, especially at the traditional houses, wish to entertain guests after the specified time limit, they are not allowed to play loud music and must avoid creating unnecessary nuisance, such as loud noises.
Themed “Kaamatan, Beyond Food Security,” the State-level Kaamatan celebration will be launched by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the Ranau Community Hall on May 1.
“I think thousands of visitors will come for the launching ceremony, especially since it falls on Labour Day, a public holiday.
“In addition to local visitors, there will certainly be many foreign tourists as well. It is understood that all accommodations around Ranau are already fully booked,” said Jeffrey.
On the confusion some parties have about this year’s Kaamatan Festival theme, Jeffrey said food security is crucial, but the festival is not just about food and food security.
“It also revolves around efforts to promote unity or harmony in diversity, preserving and promoting culture, promoting trade, investment and tourism, as well as other broader aspects.
“The Kaamatan Festival is also an opportunity to conduct business and strengthen family and friendship ties.
“The key element is to remind everyone to be thankful to God for the harvest or the results of our work,” he said.
On the events at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA, he said there are two new programme – the International Cultural Dialogue on May 21 and World Biodiversity Day on May 22.
Both programmes will also involve participants from overseas, including Indonesia, Europe and the US.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is also expected to attend the closing ceremony of the State-level Kaamatan Festival celebration on May 31.
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