The various ethnic groups, particularly the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus of Sabah celebrated the Harvest Festival or the Kaamatan Festival, as a tribute to Bambaazon, the spirit of Kinoingan’s daughter Huminodun beginning the first week of May with Magavau ritual to invite the spirit of Bambaazon to the celebration and will continue till the end of the month; with the peak of the celebration being held on 30 and 31 May annually. This ritual is performed only by the high priestess known as Bobohizan, as without the spirit of Bambaazon, the festivities cannot be proceeded and it is through Magavau that the Rice Spirit is invoked.

Similarly, the native ethnic of Sarawak, particularly the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Murut and more celebrated the Gawai festival as a thanksgiving and harvest festival marking the bountiful yields and the planning of future prospects as the festival marks the end of the harvesting season, an event similar to Kaamatan festival of Sabah on the 1 and 2 June 2019.

Coincidentally, after a whole Ramadan month of fasting, which began on 6 May 2019, Muslims in Malaysia celebrate the end of Ramadan month and the beginning of the Islamic new Islamic month, Syawal, beginning on 05 June 2019, by praying at mosque and having get together at relative’s and friends’ places by hosting “Open House” – the traditional way of inviting families, relatives and friends to their houses.

Prof Dr Morni Hj Kambrie (Founder and Chairman of SIDMA College) in honouring the spirit of Ramadan and the spreading the Hari Raya, Kaamatan and Gawai cheers, distributed Hari Raya, Kaamatan and Gawai Goodies to all SIDMA College staff on 29 May 2019 at SIDMA College Atrium. This initiative was donated by Mus Kitchen and supported by the SIDMA Staff Welfare Association (PKKKSS) Committee members under the chairmanship of Mr Zain Azrai.

More than 130 goodie bags packed with festival basic necessities such as fresh whole chicken, wings, top sirloin meat, fruit drinks and more were distributed to SIDMA College staff, including staff from Bentleytel Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Didi Childcare Centre and Fiona Travels and Tours Sdn Bhd who will be celebrating the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Tadau Kaamatan and the Gawai festival.

Dr Morni Hj Kambrie who was given the honour to distribute the goodies distribution announced that the giving-out of goodies to SIDMA staff during national festivals such Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Aidiladha, Harvest Festival, Christmas and Chinese New Year has provided him with the opportunities to share and give back to his staff as well as to celebrate together each of these festivals as one big family.

He added that it is through such initiatives that enabled him to express his sincere appreciation, recognition as well as to convey his gratitude to all the staff for the great service and contributions that they had rendered together collectively, as a team to the college.

Meanwhile, Mr Zain Azrai (Chairman, PKKKSS) on behalf of the committee and SIDMA staff sincerely thanked Dr Morni and family for their generosity and their willingness to care, share and take into consideration his staff well-being and happiness, particularly during festival seasons such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Aidiladha, Harvest Festival, Christmas, and Chinese New Year.

Dr Morni Hj Kambrie, Madam Azlina Ngatimin (Director, Corporate Relations and Business Development), Madam Azizah Khalid Merican (CEO), Mr Zain Azrai conveyed in advance their warm Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin, Kotobian Tadau Tagazo  Do Kaamatan and Gayu Guru, Gerai Nyamai, Senang Lantang Nguan Menua greetings to all lecturers, staff, students, relatives, parents and friends.

SIDMA College would like to wish to all HAPPY HOLIDAY!! For those who will be travelling far or near, please drive safely. Plan your trip earlier so that you will not rush to reach your destination. Keep calm so that you are able to enjoy a more relax driving experience. Attitude is very important when on the road to ensure safety. Have enough rest before the journey and do take it easy. Have “pit-stops” to rest in between. Enjoy the entire drive “Balik Kampung”. You can definitely feel the festive mood the entire journey! Smile or wave ‘hello’ to fellow drivers on the road – no one would call you “crazy”, don’t worry J

By Teo Eng Seng and Zain Azrai,

SIDMA College Sabah,

88300 KOTA KINABALU