KOTA KINABALU: Fifty finalists will compete for prizes worth up to RM135,000 in the grand finale of the State Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan (RTK) 2026 on May 27.
RTK Organising Chairman Casey Jovial said this year’s edition is among the competition’s biggest showcases, combining culture, music and modern performances.
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He said the overall champion will receive prizes worth RM135,000, while the runner-up and third-placed winner will receive prizes worth RM85,000 and RM70,000, respectively.
Casey said the contestant finishing fourth will receive prizes worth RM26,000, while those placed fifth to seventh will each receive prizes worth RM24,000.
He said nine subsidiary titles will also be contested throughout the competition.
The top seven finalists will serve as cultural ambassadors for the organisation for one year.
Speaking during the state registration and media conference on Saturday, he said RTK has grown beyond a traditional Kaamatan pageant into a wider cultural platform for Kadazan Dusun youths.
“The programme combines cultural heritage with modern presentation to ensure Sabah’s traditions remain relevant to younger generations,” he said.
The programme officially began on May 16 with the State-level registration session, while all 50 finalists are scheduled to take part in a Kaamatan promotional video shoot on May 17.
Activities lined up include the RTK Cultural Village programme from May 19 to 24, a MasterChef competition at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association compound and the “A Night of Cultural Fashion” event at Hilton Kota Kinabalu on May 22.
A free public showcase featuring contestant appearances and performances will be held at Imago Shopping Mall on May 23 ahead of the grand finale at KDCA Hall, in Penampang.
