Sabah's Kaamatan Festival unites culture and economic growth in Papar
Sabah’s Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, officially opened the state-level Kaamatan Festival in Papar. The event celebrates the harvest season and highlights the vital role of agriculture in Sabah’s economy. During the ceremony, he also urged all Sabahans to unite in supporting the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development plan. Papar was chosen as the host for this year’s festival due to its reputation for fertile paddy fields and deep cultural roots. The district’s strong agricultural heritage aligns with the festival’s focus on honouring farming traditions.
In 2023, the Sabah government allocated RM559.85 million to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI). The funding aims to boost food security and increase the state’s self-sufficiency rate (SSR). Agriculture remains one of the three key sectors driving Sabah’s economic growth. The Chief Minister also announced plans for new infrastructure in Papar, including a covered futsal court with a grandstand. Additionally, the upcoming Pan Borneo Highway could turn the district into a major stopover for travellers from Brunei and Sarawak. These projects form part of wider efforts to improve living standards and socio-economic conditions across Sabah.
The Kaamatan Festival in Papar showcased both cultural pride and economic ambition. With ongoing investments in agriculture and infrastructure, the government is working to strengthen Sabah’s future. The Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 plan continues to guide these development efforts.
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