PENAMPANG: The KDCA Central Committee at it's recent meeting held on February 15, 2020, chaired by Huguan Siou Tan Sri DSP Joseph Pairin Datuk Kitingan, after thorough deliberations on the Kaamatan Festival unanimously decided that KDCA will continue to celebrate the Finale of the Annual Kaamatan Festival 2020 at Hongkod Koisaan, (KDCA Culutral Unity Centre) Penampang comes May 30th & 31st, 2020.

The KDCA Kaamatan 2020 Main Organizing Committee is chaired by Datuk Daniel Datuk Kinsik, which had already held two meetings so far with all the Sub-Committee Chairperson already appointed and designated their respective responsibilities.

The theme for the KDCA Kaamatan Festival 2020 has been set as, "Kaamatan, Our Sacred Festival" in order to emphasize to the young generations the essence, meanings and purposes of Kaamatan Festival from the socio-cultural perspectives, beliefs, worldview and adat of the originating celebrants, particulary the Kadazandusun multi-ethnic community.

In view of the global COVID-19 menace, Datuk Daniel Kinsik said, that the organizer will undertake all the necessary precautions within their means and in cooperation with the relevent authorities, both government and private sector to make the celebration as safe as possibly can, with a reminder that all celebrants, guests and visitor should also do their part to protect themselves to the best they can. We may not shake hands but bow to greet each other and dance without touching other, and still truly experience and convey the warmth, spirit and meaning of Kaamatan as we dance to the rhythm of the music and songs of the sacred Festival. Celebrants may no longer take turns to suck the sacred rice tapai from the same jars, as tapai can be served to them individually in disposable cups.

As usual, we will have a Medical Team and an ambulance on standby within the KDCA complex to deal with emergency eventualities.

In the meantime all KDCA Coordination Districts throughout Malaysia inculding 5 in Peninsular Malaysia have been advised to organize their respective Kaamatan Festivals through the "Mitatabang & Miulung" Spirit so that they can each send their representative contestants for the Kaamatan Festival 2020 Unduk Ngadau and Sugandoi final competition at Hongkod Koisaan (KDCA Culutral Unity Centre), Penampang, Sabah on May 30th & 31st, 2020.

For further information and details regarding KDCA Kaamatan Festival 2020 Programmes and Activities Progress, kindly contact the Secretaries: Zandi Elaine Nora Amandus at H/P: 013-8839988 or O/P: 088-713696.