KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam commended Jetama Sdn Bhd for becoming the first government-linked company (GLC) to fully sponsor a district-level Kaamatan celebration through the KDCA Kapayan branch.
He said the move exemplified how the corporate sector can play a pivotal role in strengthening cultural identity and fostering a united society.
Officiating the KDCA Kapayan Jetama Kaamatan 2025 at Dewan Kampung Kibouvang in Kepayan on Sunday, Joachim praised the organisers for delivering a meaningful event that aligns with this year’s theme, “Kaamatan for All.”
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});He stressed that Kaamatan is not only a celebration for the Kadazan Dusun community but a cultural heritage that brings people together through gratitude, communal spirit, and shared values.
Joachim, who is also Minister of Local Government and Housing and KDCA Deputy President, said such festivities help the younger generation appreciate their heritage through traditional dance, music, attire, and cuisine.
He added that events like these also benefit local entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners by creating economic opportunities and platforms for cultural expression.
Among those present were Kapayan Assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang, Jetama Chairman Datuk Yusuf Abd Manan, Jetama CEO Datuk Ahmad Naim Uddang, Petronas Sabah and Labuan Regional Office General Manager Siti Ayu Abdul Wahab, Penampang District Chief Charles Masuli, Native Chief Alice Dison, and Organising Chairman Jude Abel Logijin.