KOTA KINABALU: Amid the challenging Covid-19 crisis, 46 contestants of Mr Kaamatan (MrK) are gearing up for the pageant's final stage this Saturday (Nov 20).
The MrK or Buvazoi Tavantang is Sabah's cultural male pageant which shares the mission and vision of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant - to promote the uniqueness of the culture, custom and traditional costumes of the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) community.
State-level MrK organising chairman Casey Jovial said the event would be held at the Sabah National Culture and Arts Department (JKKNS) auditorium at 11.30am.
"It has been a very challenging year for everyone and we are overjoyed and feel blessed to have arrived at this point.
"Although the month of Kaamatan has passed, MrK aims to preserve our culture and there's nothing wrong with doing it in any month other than May," he told the New Straits Times.
"The ongoing pandemic has, literally, changed the norms, the shortlisted contestants must be fully vaccinated and required to undergo Covid-19 swab tests three days before the finals.
"We also put emphasis on standard operating procedures (SOP) as well as the safety of everyone involved."
Despite challenges, Casey is glad that MrK is recognised as one of the events for the State's Kaamatan Festival celebration on April 9, this year.
The recognition was mooted by the Sabah Cultural Board General Manager Mackey Apison Lo, he said.
Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan is based on the legendary Huminodun, a maiden who was sacrificed by her father, Kinoingan to save the people from famine to bring about a bountiful harvest.
As for Mr Kaamatan, it can be linked to the KDM warriors in the old days.
Casey added that the responsibility to preserve the native customs and culture in Sabah should be shouldered equally by men and women.
"As such, a proper platform should be provided to attract youths to join the cause," he said, adding the judging for this year will put emphasis on the ability to converse in their indigenous languages.
MrK was first held in 2008 on a small scale, and in 2018, Mr Kaamatan was registered as a brand with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).
The top prize winner for this year will walk away with prizes worth RM63,975, including a trophy.