Publicise Kaamatan joy: Pairin
Saturday, 29 April 2006 (Source: Daily Express)

TAMBUNAN: The Kaamatan has been formally accepted by the State and Federal governments as a vital celebration that contributed to the economic growth and traditional heritage preservation in Malaysia.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan said Kaamatan provides opportunity to the KDM community to expose the various unique cultural heritages, which assists in expanding the tourism industry, apart from enhancing the agriculture produce quality as well as boosting production of local handicrafts.

"It is not only important for the (KDM) community but also significant as an attraction to the general community including tourists to see it closer," he said to launch the Mukim Kirokot Pesta Kaamatan here Thursday.

According to him, the festival at the district or mukim level should be well publicised to give the public and tourists ample opportunity to visit the festival in the various villages.

Meanwhile, District Officer, Thomas Angor called on the people here to reflect on the meaning of Kaamatan and the way it is celebrated peacefully throughout the State unlike in other countries in the region, which cannot fully celebrate their local traditional festivity due to tension and security threat.

According to organising chairman, Vincent Saradon, Mukim Kirokot involved 18 villages.

In the Sugandoi Kaamatan (singing competition) the winner was Sahili Rombuan, followed by Alfonsus John and Evelyn Matius.

Sahili would represent Mukim Kirokot at the district level competition.