KDCA tightens Kaamatan rules for safer, more respectful festival

22 May 2025 • 5:40 PM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

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By: Jonathan Nicholas

KOTA KINABALU: The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) has announced tighter enforcement for this year’s Kaamatan festival to ensure a more organised, family-friendly, and culturally respectful celebration.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, who chairs the organising committee, said there will be no tolerance for disruptive behaviours such as table dancing, excessive drinking, or loud music after 1am.

Jeffrey, also KDCA deputy president, added that traditional houses must serve only authentic food and beverages, with operators risking a RM1,000 fine for breaching cultural or operating guidelines.

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');});In a move to encourage broader participation, KDCA has slashed stall rental fees to as low as RM2,500 compared to RM7,000 previously.

The celebration, culminating on May 30 and 31 in Hongkod Koisaan, Penampang, will also feature an enhanced Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan (BTK) contest and international collaborations, with the Prime Minister and Head of State officiating the key ceremonies.