He stressed the significance of this year's theme, "Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan" or "Kaamatan Untuk Semua", which clearly reflects the unity that has long existed among the multi-racial and ethnic communities in Sabah.

He said that although the Kaamatan Festival was originally celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) community as a sign of gratitude for the abundant rice harvest, it is now celebrated by all levels of society in Sabah, regardless of race and religion, as a platform to ensure that traditional culture is inherited by future generations. "Kaamatan is not only a celebration of heritage but also a platform to unite us all," he said.

He called on all MAFFI members and departments and agencies under it to practice noble values, the spirit of gotong-royong (mogitatabang), mutual respect and tolerance in carrying out their duties.

He further said that for MAFFI, the Kaamatan Festival symbolizes the importance of food security for the survival of the community.

"As an organization responsible for the development of the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors, we need to redouble our efforts to ensure that food security and safety in Sabah is always maintained," he stressed.

The event also held a "Megagong" Gong Beating Competition and a Creative Ethnic Dance Competition between Departments and Agencies under MAFFI. In the competition, the Irrigation and Drainage Department emerged as the Champion and the Sabah Rubber Industry Board as the Runner-up in the "Megagong" competition while in the Creative Ethnic Dance competition, the Sabah Rubber Industry Board emerged as the Champion, Ko-Nelayan as the Runner-up and the Irrigation and Drainage Department in third place.