Penampang: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to officiate the Sabah State-Level Kaamatan Festival 2026 at Hongkod Koisaan, the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), in Penampang this upcoming Saturday, May 30.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who chairs the Main Organising Committee for the Sabah State-Level Kaamatan Festival 2026, announced that the Prime Minister will arrive in the morning and participate in a symbolic paddy harvesting ceremony. Anwar, alongside Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other dignitaries, will also visit traditional houses at the Koisaan Cultural Village, KDCA, and engage with festival attendees.

The festival's official closing ceremony will be presided over by Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman on May 31, Sunday. The Kaamatan Festival is a significant cultural event in Sabah, celebrated throughout May to express gratitude for a successful rice harvest, with main festivities on May 30 and 31.

Dr Joachim stated that while there is no set target for visitor numbers, the festival is expected to attract tens of thousands during its peak days. There is notable interest from international tourists and foreign delegates, highlighting the festival's growing national and international recognition as a major cultural event in Malaysia.

To ease transportation and mitigate traffic congestion, free shuttle bus services will be available between Hongkod Koisaan, KDCA, and the Imago and Suria shopping malls from 10 am to 10 pm. The public is encouraged to utilize these services and maintain decorum as representatives of Sabah during the celebration.

This year's festival is poised to make history with KDCA set to receive recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records, marking the Kaamatan Festival as the longest-running festival celebration in Malaysia.