Kota Kinabalu (Apr 14) - The upcoming Kaamatan celebration in Sabah will feature new guidelines at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) grounds, with organisers confirming that only traditional beverages will be permitted inside cultural house exhibits during the festival.
Under the revised arrangement, visitors entering the heritage-themed houses will be served indigenous drinks associated with local communities, while commercially produced alcoholic beverages such as beer will not be available within those specific cultural spaces.
However, alcohol will still be sold and served in other designated areas across the festival site, ensuring that broader celebrations and commercial activities can continue separately from cultural displays.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who chairs the Kaamatan main organising committee, said the measure is intended to protect the cultural atmosphere of the festival and ensure that traditional practices remain the central focus within heritage zones.
Kaamatan, which is celebrated annually as a harvest thanksgiving festival in Sabah, features traditional performances, rituals, and exhibitions representing the state’s indigenous communities. The cultural houses at KDCA are designed to showcase the heritage, lifestyle, and identity of different ethnic groups.
Organisers said the separation of traditional and commercial beverage spaces is meant to maintain the authenticity of cultural presentations while still allowing visitors to enjoy the wider festive environment.
For Sabahans, the decision highlights ongoing efforts to balance cultural preservation with modern festival expectations. Kaamatan remains one of the most important cultural events in the state, especially for Kadazandusun, Murut, and other indigenous communities who view it as a symbol of identity and unity.
Supporters of the guideline may see it as a way to reinforce respect for traditional customs within cultural exhibition spaces, where indigenous drinks and practices already play a key role in storytelling and hospitality.
At the same time, some visitors and vendors may need to adjust their expectations regarding beverage availability within cultural houses, particularly those accustomed to more commercial offerings during large-scale public festivals.
For local communities and tourism operators, the separation of cultural and commercial zones could help clarify the festival’s structure, potentially improving the visitor experience by distinguishing between heritage education and entertainment areas.
Overall, the change reflects Sabah’s continued effort to preserve cultural authenticity while managing the evolving nature of one of its most significant annual celebrations.