Ambuyat Festival promotes Sabah's Brunei cultural heritage

 By Olivia Miwil

November 2, 2026 @ 5:42pm

Ambuyat, a sticky, starchy dish made from the inner trunk of the sago palm, is Brunei's national dish and a popular delicacy in Sabah and Sarawak. - Photos courtesy of Sabah Information Department

PAPAR: The Ambuyat Festival is helping preserve the traditional food and cultural heritage of Sabah's Brunei community while introducing its customs to younger generations, said Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.

Ambuyat, a sticky, starchy dish made from the inner trunk of the sago palm, is Brunei's national dish and a popular delicacy in Sabah and Sarawak.

"The festival also introduced traditional cakes and delicacies, including Madu Kesirat, which is becoming less familiar to the public, particularly among the younger generation," he said in a statement.

Arifin, who is the Membakut assemblyman and Sabah Brunei Community Association (PMBS) president, said youth categories had also been introduced in several competitions, including gambus and kulintangan, to encourage younger generations to help preserve traditional performing arts.

Held at Kampung Pimping yesterday, the festival also featured exhibitions, food products and participation by entrepreneurs from Brunei Darussalam.

Arifin said he hoped the festival could be further developed as one of Membakut's tourism attractions in conjunction with Visit Sabah Year 2027.