KOTA BELUD: Kaamatan celebrations not only preserve Sabah’s cultural heritage but also generate economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and traders across the State, said Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon, who is also State Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said celebrations held at village, district and State levels provide platforms for entrepreneurs to market their products and generate income.
He said local businesses benefited from increased economic activity during Kaamatan, with entrepreneurs taking the opportunity to sell food, beverages, handicrafts and other products to visitors.
“The Kaamatan celebration has long been an official Sabah Government event and forms part of the State’s cultural identity and heritage,” he said after officiating at the Kampung Terintidon Kaamatan celebration on Sunday.
Ewon said the economic spillover extended beyond small businesses, with accommodation operators, transport providers and restaurants also benefiting from increased demand generated by domestic and international visitors attending the festivities.
He described the development as positive as it not only preserved culture and traditions but also stimulated local economic activity.
On another matter, Ewon said unity and cooperation among Sabahans remained the foundation of peace and stability in the State, enabling cultural and religious celebrations to be held harmoniously.
He added that the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), which he leads, would continue supporting efforts to strengthen Sabah’s unity, stability and cooperation among local parties for the benefit of future generations.