KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will hold a "cautious" month-long Kaamatan or harvest festival which will begin this Sunday.
State Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said despite the country transitioning towards an endemic phase with more relaxations on Covid-19 prevention measures, people should stay vigilant.
"I would like to remind people to be more cautious, the relaxation is a gift to us, we are being disciplined (in breaking the chain of Covid-19 infection).
"But when we celebrate festivals and Hari Raya, we have to be careful when we gather and also on the road, ,as well as when having feasts … do not overdo it," he said during a press conference on the state-level Kaamatan festival here.
Jeffrey, who is also the state festival main committee chairman, said the state government would still maintain mask wearing outdoors for a while despite the Health Ministry's announcement.
He added that to ensure the situation is under control during the festival, events held indoors will see limitations in terms of attendees.
"If it is held in a hall, it will depend on the capacity, for (the festival culmination on May 30 and 31), there will only be 1,000 people at the Hongkod Koisaan (here) and at the district it will be around 500.
"It will be by invitation. As for outdoors, it will be a little bit open.
"The opening of the festival will be held at a handicraft centre in Keningau where we can control the situation," he said.
After three years of not having the festival openly, Jeffrey is hoping that it would be able to attract more tourists and investors.
Jeffrey said the hybrid event, with a RM1.5 million budget, would also emphasise in fighting against climate change, and honouring farmers among others.
"There will also be three awards to be given to farmers who show success and productivity.