Kota kinabalu: The Sabah Bisaya Bersatu Association (PBBS) has proposed that the state government increase allocations for the Kaamatan Festival in the future to enable the provision of more halal food for visitors, particularly the Muslim community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PBBS President Datuk Ruslan Muharam emphasized the importance of this proposal as the Kaamatan Festival now attracts a diverse group of attendees, including visitors from Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei, and the Muslim community in Sabah. Ruslan, who also serves as the state Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, pointed out that PBBS has already taken steps this year by providing halal food at the Bisaya House in Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) under an open house concept.
Ruslan highlighted the demand for halal food among Muslim visitors, stating, "Many Muslim visitors come looking for halal food. This year, we are having an open house concept where anyone can come and enjoy the food provided." He urged the state government and KDCA to increase funding so PBBS can expand halal food offerings for Muslim visitors.
This year's festival organizers also initiated a halal zone to cater to Muslim attendees, as noted by Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Chairman of the Main Committee for the 2026 State-Level Kaamatan Festival Celebration. The availability of halal food, including traditional dishes such as sago, ulam-ulaman, bamboo shoots, rattan shoots, cassava, kelupis, and traditional rice-based drinks, was made possible through allocated funding.
Ruslan remarked that the introduction of halal-friendly spaces at the festival exemplifies its inclusivity and role in promoting unity among Malaysia's varied communities, regardless of religious affiliation. Additionally, he mentioned plans to showcase more Bisaya traditional accessories and attire at next year's celebration, despite reduced participation from cultural practitioners this year due to family commitments.
Regarding PBBS's future goals, Ruslan announced the association's aim to increase its membership from the current 60,000 to 70,000 members, targeting 100,000 through a campaign focusing on youth, particularly secondary school students. PBBS also intends to offer incentives for members who are students excelling in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) exams.