Kota kinabalu: The Kaamatan Festival should be seen not only as a harvest celebration, but also as a symbol of unity, gratitude, and the strength of the cultural heritage of the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, and Rungus communities in Sabah. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang emphasized the celebration's importance as a platform for fostering love, understanding, and togetherness among people of diverse races and religions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aaron Ago Dagang stated in a Facebook post that Malaysia's true strength lies in its cultural diversity, which unites rather than divides its people. He urged the younger generation to play a more active role as custodians of culture and guardians of national heritage and identity. Leveraging technology and modern platforms, he said, is essential to ensuring that cultural identity remains relevant and respected.

He highlighted that while earlier generations defended customs and culture through sacrifice and deep love for heritage, today's generation must continue this legacy through knowledge, pride, and action. He stressed that cultural heritage should not be confined to festival stages or museums but should be an integral part of daily life, learned, appreciated, and passed down to future generations.

The preservation of cultural heritage, Aaron noted, is crucial in nation-building. A strong nation is not only built through economic and technological advancements but also through citizens who understand their cultural roots, respect diversity, and take pride in their national identity. He extended his greetings for the Kaamatan Festival to the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, and Rungus communities in Sabah, as well as to Malaysians celebrating it.

The Kaamatan Festival is a harvest celebration observed throughout May, with its main festivities held on May 30 and 31 each year, marking a time of gratitude for a bountiful rice harvest.