Kota Kinabalu: Atitih Yatih Robert, a prospective Malay Language teacher representing the Tamparuli sub-district, was crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 during the culmination of the Kaamatan Festival at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here tonight.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Atitih Yatih, 26, a Bachelor of Education (Malay Language) graduate from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) last December and currently awaiting a teaching placement, outperformed 51 contestants in this traditional beauty pageant of Sabah’s paddy harvest season, which has been held annually since 1960.
Earlier, Atitih Yatih, who participated in the competition for the second time after her first attempt in 2017, was selected from a round of 15 best participants before advancing to the final stage of the top seven finalists. The participants were judged on public speaking, general knowledge, and understanding of heritage and culture in their native language.
Unduk Ngadau is a traditional beauty pageant that commemorates the ethnic cultures and heritage of Sabah, held in memory of the legendary ‘Huminodun,’ who sacrificed herself for a bountiful harvest and the well-being of her people, according to the beliefs of the Kadazan-Dusun people.
When interviewed by reporters, Atitih Yatih expressed her surprise at winning the title, stating that she initially aimed only to reach the top seven. She credited her family and friends for their support and expressed hope that her victory would inspire the younger generation to preserve Sabah’s culture and heritage.
Atitih Yatih received a trophy, RM15,000 in cash, and various prizes, which were presented by the wife of the Yang di-Pertua (Governor) of Sabah, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin. The event was also attended by the wife of the Chief Minister, Datin Seri Juliah Salag, and the Joint Chairmen of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, Datuk Joanna Datuk Kitingan and Dr Mary Gambidau.
Atitih Yatih was crowned by Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024, Hyellene Danius, who is also a Malay Language teacher. The second place was awarded to Elka Alika Pijeh from Tambunan, receiving a trophy and RM12,000, while third place went to Celarin Jenny from Kiulu, who received a trophy and RM10,000.
Earlier, the 2025 Kaamatan Festival Celebration was officially closed by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah (Governor) Tun Musa Aman with a ‘mengomot’ or rice harvesting ritual and seven strikes of the gong, in a ceremony attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.