PENAMPANG: The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) is seeking a new location that would be more suitable to host the state-level Kaamatan celebration in future following the growing numbers of visitors due to its popularity.
KDCA's Hongkod Koisaan venue here had recorded a maximum 30,000 international and local visitors per day, making it about 60,000 visitors for every May 30 and 31.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan during the launching of traditional sports and exhibition at the Kaamatan celebration today, said they had identified an area in the district and had submitted a land application.
"But this is yet to be confirmed. Ultimately we want something twice the size as we have now, which is 4 acres (1.6 hectare) covering the hall building, traditional houses and the open space.
"The attendance increases year by year, and having a bigger space means we can expand the number of activities as well as accommodate more requests from different sub-ethnic groups," Pairin, who is the Kadazandusun Murut community Huguan Siou (paramount leader), told reporters.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman who launched the event, said the state government supported the move and would give appropriate consideration to the proposal.
"Besides approving the allocation of RM100,000 for upgrading of facilities at the current venue, the state government agrees it is time to find a bigger place (to hold Kaamatan). We know this is for the people of Sabah and it is also good for tourism," he said.