KENINGAU: The spirit of unity and the culture of gotong-royong continued to shine as a coalition of five villages in Mukim Apin-Apin joined hands to celebrate the Kaamatan Festival in a lively gathering at the Kampung Kirokot Baru Multipurpose Hall here recently.
The celebration, involving Kampung Ulu Kikiran, Kirokot Baru, Kikiran, Lambanga and Rezab Lambanga, was officiated by Bingkor Assemblyman Datuk Sr Mohd Ishak Ayub.
His presence was warmly welcomed by residents as he walked through the hall greeting and shaking hands with people of all ages, reflecting the close relationship between leaders and the grassroots community.
The programme, jointly organised by the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and the Rukun Tetangga Community (KRT), not only served as a platform to celebrate the Kaamatan tradition but also demonstrated the strength of unity among rural communities that continue to uphold cooperation and togetherness.
In his speech, Ishak emphasised the importance of cooperation, harmony and unity among the local community in line with this year’s celebration theme, “Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony”.
According to him, the coming together of five villages in a single celebration proved that the community in the area still strongly upholds the values of belonging and mutual assistance, which form the foundation of harmony in Sabah’s interior districts.
“Kaamatan is not just a cultural festival or annual event, but a symbol of gratitude, unity and the strength of relationships between communities,” he said.
The festive atmosphere in the hall, filled with traditional attire, applause from residents and friendly interactions between leaders and the people, further portrayed Kaamatan as a platform that unites communities regardless of background.
More significantly, the celebration highlighted how the culture of gotong-royong continues to thrive, with residents from all five villages working together to ensure the success of the programme, from preparing the hall to managing the event.
Behind the lively celebration lies a reality that is becoming increasingly rare in the modern world – that true unity is not built through slogans alone, but through the willingness of communities to walk, work and celebrate life together as one big family in the interior.
