Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Native Court Enactment 1992 is on track to be replaced with a new version aimed at streamlining the structure of the Native Court and enhancing the institution, announced Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The Sabah Native Affairs Council has drafted the new enactment, titled the Sabah Native Court Enactment 2025, which is currently under review by the State Local Government and Housing Ministry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the draft requires input from the State Attorney General’s Chambers, the State Public Service Department, and the Finance Ministry before it can be submitted to the State Cabinet and subsequently tabled at the State Legislative Assembly. The announcement was made during the launch of the 2025 Kaamatan Festival at the Pisompuruan Open Hall, attended by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Kadazandusun Cultural Association president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hajiji reiterated the state government’s commitment to enhancing the Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) of agricultural produce, a measure aimed at strengthening food security in Sabah. Currently, Sabah’s SSL is at a low 22.8 per cent, necessitating reliance on imported food. In response, the government revived the Sabah Rice and Rice Board (LPBS) last year and is focusing on developing approximately 22,146 hectares of abandoned padi fields across several districts, including Tuaran, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Keningau, Papar, and Tambunan.
Hajiji stated, “This initiative will help the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) increase Sabah’s SSL to at least 30 per cent by 2026 and 60 per cent by 2030.”
Additionally, Hajiji highlighted this year’s Kaamatan Festival theme, ‘Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan,’ which promotes inclusivity. He emphasized that the festival transcends community boundaries and serves as a shared celebration for all citizens, irrespective of race, religion, or background.
“The Kaamatan Festival is no longer just a harvest festival. It has become a symbol of unity among the people, providing a space for us to understand and respect each other while celebrating our cultural diversity,” he added.