KOTA BELUD, 24 May 2026 – As communities across Sabah come together to celebrate Kaamatan, Yayasan PETRONAS brought festive cheer to 200 households in Kota Belud through its Uplifting Lives Festive programme, reflecting the festival’s spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and community care.
Held at Kampung Piasau, the handover ceremony took place amid ongoing Kaamatan celebrations, a cherished cultural tradition that honours the harvest season and strengthens bonds among families and neighbours.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Kadamaian Assemblyman, Datuk Ewon Benedick, presented the festive food packs to selected recipients during the event, which was also attended by General Manager of PETRONAS Sabah and Labuan Regional Office, Datuk Siti Ayu Abdul Wahab.
“Kaamatan reminds us of the importance of gratitude, unity and caring for one another within the community. Contributions such as these reflect the spirit of togetherness that has long been a part of our harvest celebration tradition, while helping ease preparations for families as they gather with loved ones,” Ewon said during the event.
Siti Ayu said Kaamatan represents a meaningful occasion for communities to come together in unity and thanksgiving.
“Kaamatan is a meaningful time for communities to come together in gratitude and unity. Through the Uplifting Lives Festive programme, Yayasan PETRONAS hopes to support the well-being of families while continuing our commitment to creating positive and lasting impact for communities across the country,” she said.
Distributed in phases throughout the Harvest Festival by the Sabah Social Welfare Department (JPKA), the festive food packs contained essential household items including rice, cooking oil, sugar, flour and tea, as well as festive cookies to support families preparing for Kaamatan gatherings and celebrations.
One of the recipients, Noney Gondolos, 57, said the food basket would benefit her family and help ease their festive preparations. “To me, Kaamatan is about bringing people together. It is important to preserve unity and strengthen the spirit of community,” shared the mother of two from Kampung Rangalau.
Meanwhile, Rulita Yasap, 57, noted that many villages now organise their own Kaamatan celebrations, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for the festival. “I am very thankful for the festive food pack as it will help my family with our Kaamatan preparations and celebrations,” said the single mother of seven from Kampung Piasau Dimala.
Earlier this month, during the state-level launch of month-long Kaamatan celebrations in Papar, PETRONAS also handed over a symbolic contribution of food packs to 300 households in the district.
The Uplifting Lives Festive programme is part of Yayasan PETRONAS’ ongoing commitment to support community well-being and socio-economic development across the country, while fostering resilience and inclusivity among communities in need.