TAMPARULI: Kaamatan Festival remained as the best platform to promote unity and  friendship among the plural community in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri  Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 

"I call upon the rakyat irrespective of religion and race to continue fostering unity, respect  one another and not to be easily swayed by disruptive elements detrimental to the unity  that we have long enjoyed," he said. 

"Importantly, the people's support to the government must not waver so that  development can be implemented in the state," he said at the 2024 Tuaran district  Kaamatan Festival at Dewan Tun Hamdan here today. 

The Chief Minister said the State Government would continue to provide support to all  cultural and religious celebrations as the unique cultures and traditions of Sabah are  important asset of the people. 

In the context of development, Hajiji urged all elected representatives to always go to  the ground to engage the grassroots in their respective constituencies to resolve  problems faced by the people.  

"Do not wait for problems to arise, instead always be close to the people. Similarly, all  the district officers and personnel in relevant departments must also be proactive in  discharging duties entrusted to them," he said. 

This year's Kaamatan Festival themed "Kaamatan, Beyond Food Security" is in line with  the government's commitment to boost Sabah's food security, he said, adding it also  served as a reminder for all quarters to work harder to increase yields and sustain the  state's food resources.  

The Sulaman Assemblyman reiterated the State Government's commitment to enhance  the agriculture yield, in particular rice commodity Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL). 

"Apart from reviving the Sabah Padi and Rice Board, I hope those with vast land  including idle padi fields will develop their land given that the State Government has  given several incentives to do so, especially for padi cultivation this year," he said. 

Later, Hajiji presented the Tokoh Kaamatan award to recipients in five categories.

Also present were Hajiji's wife, Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Juliah Salag, Rural  Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim who is Tamparuli Assemblyman, Assistant  Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai who is Kiulu  Assemblyman, Innoprise Corporation Executive Chairman Datuk Jasnih Daya who is  Pantai Dalit Assemblyman and SESB Chairman Datuk Madius Tangau who is also the  Tuaran Member of Parliament. 

Ends