By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Jurinah Zainal from Labuan won the grand prize in the MAGGI @ Jom Masak dan Menang Bersama annual Kaamatan campaign, which concluded at Suria Sabah Mall here.
She drove away in a limited-edition Ford Ranger XL featuring a bespoke design inspired by Sabahan motifs.
The event also marked a RM15,000 contribution by MAGGI to the Hopes Malaysia Welfare Association.
The contribution will support 20 rural families in Kadamaian, Kota Belud, focusing on empowering women and improving access to nutritious food.
It will provide education, skills and tools to help them grow a wider variety of nutritious vegetables, improve household nutrition and earn supplementary income.
“MAGGI is part of Kaamatan every year because it is a celebration rooted in family, food and community, which bring Sabahans together,” said Ivy Tan Link Cheh, business executive officer of MAGGI Malaysia and Singapore.
Also present was Datuk Jannie Lasimbang.
“From preparing harvest feasts to sharing meals at the family table, MAGGI has long been part of these meaningful moments.
“We are not here to change the food and traditions people love, but to give every cook, especially the younger generation, the confidence to carry them forward.”
Throughout the campaign, MAGGI encouraged young Malaysians to reconnect with their culinary heritage and preserve traditional recipes.
Working with cultural and culinary advocates, including Chef Melvin Gatu in Sabah, the brand encouraged young cooks to embrace the flavours, stories and knowledge passed down through generations.
The campaign reached communities across East Malaysia through the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan celebrations in Tambunan and Papar, Pesta Rakit in Kampung Simpok, Tematu EthnoFest, the Borneo Native Festival in Kuala Lumpur and collaborations with cultural ambassadors.
Food became a bridge for young Malaysians to celebrate their identity, learn from their elders and keep cultural traditions alive.
Founder and Executive Director of Hopes Malaysia Welfare Association Sam Lee said the contribution would benefit women and their families.
“When women receive the right knowledge, skills and tools, the benefits extend to the whole household.
“They can provide more nutritious food, earn additional income and build greater confidence. We are grateful to MAGGI for supporting the communities we serve,” he said.
Jurinah (seventh right), winner of the Ford Ranger grand prize, with Ivy (eighth right), Jannie (ninth right) and the MAGGI team.
