Kota Kinabalu: Organisers of this year’s Sabah Kaamatan Festival have introduced a special halal dining initiative to ensure Muslim visitors can comfortably enjoy the celebration at the grounds of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang.
Sabah Kaamatan Organising Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the dedicated “rumah pisah” concept reflected the inclusive spirit of the celebration, which welcomes people of all backgrounds regardless of religion.
The initiative is being implemented through an open house concept involving 15 traditional ethnic houses at the KDCA grounds, which will be open to visitors daily from 11am to 2pm. The main Kaamatan Festival 2026 celebration will take place over two days beginning today (Saturday).
The Deputy Chief Minister 1 said the specially prepared halal food would allow Muslim visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere without hesitation while strengthening unity and mutual understanding among communities.
“This is the true beauty of Sabah, where differences in religion have never become a barrier for us to sit together and celebrate in harmony,” said Joachim.
He added that the initiative reflected the high level of tolerance and mutual respect practised by Sabahans during cultural celebrations.
Meanwhile, organisers have imposed a ban on the sale of imported alcoholic beverages at all traditional houses, allowing only local traditional drinks such as bahar and kinomol throughout the festival.
“We do not allow imported alcohol to be sold in order to preserve the authenticity of the traditional atmosphere, while also ensuring the safety and self-control of visitors throughout the celebration,” he said.
Joachim also advised the tens of thousands of visitors expected at the festival to maintain good behaviour and avoid causing disturbances to preserve harmony during the event.
To help ease traffic congestion and parking problems around the festival grounds, organisers are also providing free shuttle bus services from Imago Shopping Mall and Suria Sabah to KDCA Penampang from 10am to 10pm.
The public is encouraged to make full use of the service to help improve traffic flow and ensure a more comfortable journey to and from the festival grounds.
