MELAKA: May 3, 2026
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) needs the support of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Peninsular Malaysia to promote domestic tourism, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Sabah is leveraging its unique culture and traditions to attract visitors.
“We need to strengthen domestic tourism by highlighting our diverse cultures, traditions, and culinary heritage,” he said when officiating the Kaamatan celebration organised by KDCA Melaka.
Also present were KDCA central working committee member Stanis Buandi, KDCA Women’s Council chairperson Datuk Joanna Kitingan, Malacca KDCA chairperson Scholistika Chin, and Johor KDCA chairman Hendrrick Utoi.
He said Sabah’s distinct advantages lie in its ethnic diversity, natural beauty, and authentic cultural experiences.
KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has also recorded a special video clip to promote the Kaamatan Festival internationally.
He said STB continues to work with various stakeholders, including cultural communities, to ensure Sabah’s tourism sector remains resilient and competitive.
Thus, the seven KDCA branches in Peninsular Malaysia — Putrajaya, Klang Valley, Johor, Perak, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan — should act as grassroots ambassadors in expanding Sabah’s promotional reach.
Joniston also highlighted that this year’s Kaamatan theme, “Kaamatan: Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony,” aligns with efforts to strengthen ties among multi-ethnic communities through cultural platforms.
He encouraged KDCA in Peninsular Malaysia to invite local communities from diverse backgrounds to take part in Kaamatan celebrations, as this not only promotes Sabah’s culture more widely but also strengthens the spirit of unity and harmony in line with the theme.
He also called on Sabahans living abroad to continue supporting cultural events organised by other communities as a sign of respect, openness, and togetherness.
