KOTA KINABALU: Oct 22, 2026 — The Beaufort District Bagandang Festival is making a comeback from 29 October to 1 November 2026, after it was last held in 2016.
The launch of the festival is scheduled to be officiated by Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman on 31 October.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office Datuk Isnin Aliasnih said the revival of the festival is aimed at breathing new life into cultural heritage and promoting the uniqueness of the Beaufort district in conjunction with Visit Sabah Year 2027.
“We are bringing this celebration back after it was put on hold for so long since 2016. The committee has re-planned its organisation to liven up the atmosphere and showcase the uniqueness of traditions among the community,” he said.
According to him, the original idea for the festival was the brainchild of Tun Musa when he served as Sabah Chief Minister previously.
He, who is also the chairman of the organising committee, is targeting an attendance of about 5,000 visitors as the move is an initial effort to restore the festivity of the celebration after a decade-long hiatus.
“I hope the public will come to Beaufort, visit and join in enlivening the atmosphere,” he added.
The courtesy visit to Istana Seri Kinabalu on Wednesday was aimed at informing the palace of the festival’s developments and presenting an official invitation to Tun Musa.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Ruslan Muharam; Beaufort District Officer Mohd Nazri Ajun; and Beaufort District Police Chief Supt Champin Piuh.
Source: JAPEN
