Kota Kinabalu: Kaamatan celebrations must remain anchored in their core values of thanksgiving, unity and cultural identity despite increasing commercialisation and modern influences, cultural leaders said.
Unduk Ngadau Association president Ellyanti Nelson said modernisation itself should not be viewed as a threat to culture, but warned against allowing commercial interests to overshadow the true meaning of Kaamatan.
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“We are not saying that modernisation is an enemy of our culture.
“What should be our concern is the meaning behind the culture that is forgotten,” she said during the Daily Express Sabah Matters podcast special on Kaamatan.
Ellyanti said businesses and brands participating in the annual harvest festival were not necessarily problematic, as Kaamatan had grown into a major celebration that naturally attracted commercial interest.
However, she stressed that the pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of cultural values and heritage.
“The concern begins when the profit overshades the heritage and the values of every culture that you’re trying to commercialise,” she said.
She said Kaamatan should continue to embody the principles of identity, tradition and unity that have long defined the celebration.
“Kaamatan must remain rooted in our identity, our unity and our tradition,” she said.
Ellyanti added that younger generations would be more appreciative of their heritage if they understood the deeper values behind cultural practices.
“We, as a younger generation, will be more appreciative if we understand the core values of our culture,” she said.
The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Youth Council Steve Johnny Mositun agreed that modern tools could play a positive role in preserving culture when used responsibly.
He pointed to the use of social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to showcase traditional dances, singing competitions and other youth-centred activities linked to Kaamatan celebrations.
“What I’m trying to say is, when we have a focused event that can be highlighted into good content that can also help in preserving our identity and sharing our activities with people outside” he said.
Steve said modernisation should be embraced as a tool to strengthen cultural appreciation rather than weaken it.
The pair emphasised that preserving Kaamatan was a shared responsibility that extended beyond the annual festival itself.
Ellyanti expressed hope that Kaamatan values would continue to be practised in daily life.
“I hope this culture not just survives during the festival. It must live in our daily life so we can preserve our Kaamatan forever,” she said.
Kaamatan, traditionally celebrated as a thanksgiving festival following the paddy harvest, has evolved into one of Sabah’s most prominent cultural events, attracting participation from communities across the state and beyond.
