By WU VUIDE
MELAKA: The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Peninsular Malaysia has been urged to support the Sabah Tourism Board’s (STB) intensified efforts 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 this approach is crucial by leveraging the uniqueness of Sabah’s culture and traditions as key attractions.
“In this situation, we need to strengthen domestic tourism by highlighting Sabah’s strengths, which are rooted in 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 council chairperson Datuk Joanna Kitingan, Malacca KDCA chairperson Scholistika Chin and Johore KDCA chairman Hendrrick Utoi.
Besides the Sabahans community in Malacca, the event also attracted the attendance of local communities.
According to him, Sabah has its own distinct advantages that can attract tourists from across the country, including its ethnic diversity, natural beauty, and authentic cultural experiences.
Joniston also shared that KDCA president, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, has recorded a special video clip to promote the Kaamatan Festival internationally, in line with efforts to introduce Kaamatan as a unique cultural celebration to the world.
He emphasised that STB will continue to work closely with various stakeholders, including cultural communities, to ensure Sabah’s tourism sector remains resilient and competitive.
In this regard, he called on seven KDCA branches in Peninsular Malaysia — Putrajaya, Klang Valley, Johor, Perak, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan — to act as grassroots ambassadors in expanding Sabah’s promotional reach.
“This community network can help widen promotional outreach and attract more domestic tourists to Sabah,” he said.
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 continue extending invitations to local communities from diverse backgrounds to take part in Kaamatan celebrations.
“This approach not only promotes Sabah’s culture more widely, but also strengthens the spirit of unity and harmony, in line with the theme,” he said.
He also called on Sabahans living away from home to continue supporting and attending cultural events organised by other communities as a sign of respect, openness, and togetherness.
Joniston flanked by Scholistica (sixth, right), and Hendrrick (second, left), with guests from the Chinese community at the celebration.
