KOTA KINABALU: Unduk Ngadau Francisca Ester Nain will celebrate the annual harvest festival this year with family members only.
The 26-year-old beauty queen said though the federal government allowed visits involving smaller crowds during Kaamatan, she feels it is safer not to do so.
"Around this time, most of the districts have started the month-long Kaamatan festival with cultural events, 'sugandoi' or singing competitions, pageants, and even feasting.
"It is sad not to be able to do the same thing this year as the festival is a significant thanksgiving for the Kadazandusun Murut community, but it is better to be safe," she told the New Straits Times, adding that on May 31, her family would just have a simple celebration at home.
Francisca added that throughout this month, she has been using online social platforms to interact with the public about Kaamatan and cultural related topics.
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As for being the first Unduk Ngadau who holds the title for more than a year, she said it gives her more time to complete her duties.
"I was supposed to work on a mini library in Tambunan, but due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), it was postponed. There are also other programmes that have to be put on hold.
"Besides that, I have also worked with the Sabah Unduk Ngadau Association to raise funds dubbed the 'RM5 donation' to help those affected during these trying times," she said.
Meanwhile, in commemorating Sabah Unduk Ngadau Association's 60th year, an online forum featuring former Unduk Ngadau winners will be held on May 31.
Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Women Council chairperson Joanna Kitingan said the session called the "60th Anniversary of Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" will be held on Zoom and Facebook Live.
"We will be inviting overseas Kadazandusun Murut Rungus participants to do a short sharing of their Kaamatan and Covid-19 experiences in the countries they are living in.
"The Huguan Siou (Kadazandusun paramount leader) Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan will be giving the closing speech)."
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