Atitih (centre) with Elka (left), Celarin.
PENAMPANG : – Atitih Yatih Robert, a future Malay language teacher representing the sub-district of Tamparuli, was crowned as Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 during the climax of the Kaamatan Festival celebration at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association here tonight.
The 26-year-old graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Malay Language Education from Universiti Putra Malaysia last December, who is currently awaiting placement as a teacher, defeated 51 other contestants in the traditional beauty pageant of Sabah held in conjunction with the harvest festival since 1960.
Unduk Ngadau is a beauty pageant showcasing the culture and heritage of Sabah’s various ethnic groups, commemorating the sacrifice of the legendary Huminodun for the well-being of her people.
During the first question and answer session, Atitih responded in fluent Dusun to a question about chocolate-making. She shared that she had recently attended a cocoa fair at the Sabah International Convention Centre, where she participated in chocolate-making. She humorously noted that while her chocolate didn’t win any prizes, everyone enjoyed it so much that it was gone in no time — prompting laughter throughout the hall.
In the final Top 7 general knowledge segment, which carried 20 points, she was asked about the significance of the “Magavau” ceremony to the Kadazan Dusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) people. She explained that the ritual ensures the smooth running of important ceremonies like Kaamatan.
When interviewed after her win, Atitih shared that this was her second attempt at the title, having previously competed eight years ago representing Kota Marudu.
She had only aimed to be among the top seven contestants and never expected to be crowned the winner.
“This victory is very meaningful to me, and to everyone who has supported me,” she said.
Atitih expressed her readiness to take on the responsibilities that come with being the State Unduk Ngadau for the next year.
“I will fully dedicate myself to this role — that’s the very reason I am here,” she affirmed.
“It’s hard to describe this victory because I haven’t fully processed it in my mind yet — I’m still very shocked … I would like to thank everyone who supported me, especially my family and friends who came from afar to cheer me on.
“My plans after this depend on where I will be … I’m currently waiting for my placement,” she said.
She also hopes her success will inspire the younger generation to preserve Sabah’s culture and heritage.
As the newly crowned queen, Atitih took home RM17,500 in cash, the official 2025 Unduk Ngadau crown, a trophy, a handcrafted beaded sash, a North Borneo University College (NBUC) scholarship worth RM35,000, an ATI scholarship, a year’s supply of rice from Sazarice, skincare and haircare products, a return air ticket to South Korea sponsored by Trippo, and various other prizes, presented by the wife of the Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, witnessed by the wife of the Chief Minister, Datin Seri Juliah Salag, as well as the Co-Chairpersons of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, Datuk Joanna Datuk Kitingan and Dr Mary Gambidau.
First runner-up was Tambunan’s Elka Alika Pijeh, a 23-year-old pharmacist assistant. She won RM13,000 in cash, a trophy, a NBUC scholarship worth RM30,000, a year’s supply of rice, and other sponsored items.
Second runner-up went to 25-year-old Celarin Jenny from Kiulu, who received RM10,500, a NBUC scholarship worth RM20,000, a year’s supply of rice, a three-day, two-night stay at Taman Badukan Riverside Resort, and additional prizes. Celarin is also awaiting a teaching post.
The remaining Top 7 finalists were:
Fourth place: Rini Aswanda Jukilin (Beluran) – RM8,000, scholarship and sponsored items.
Fifth place: Steavaynie Ginadus (Beaufort) – RM6,000, scholarship and sponsored items.
Sixth place: Jenylin Janis (Ranau) – RM5,000, scholarship and sponsored items.
Seventh place: Evanatie Sannie (Bandaraya) – RM4,000, scholarship and sponsored items.
The Miss Popular Vote – Video C.A.N. award went to Norasnih Madjalan of KDCA Klang Valley, who received RM1,000 in cash after garnering 2,247 likes.
The closing ceremony of the 2025 State-Level Kaamatan Festival was officiated by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, while the opening was officiated a day earlier by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Notably, Kinabatangan was the only district in Sabah that did not participate in this year’s competition.
Meanwhile, Joanna expressed her satisfaction with the event, noting the difficulty in narrowing down the Top 15 from 51 participants. She praised the Top 15 and Top 7 finalists for answering their questions in their mother tongue.
She also clarified that the event continues to be termed “State-Level” rather than “National-Level” due to the current provisions of the KDCA constitution, which have yet to be amended. – Borneo Post
