By John T
PENAMPANG: Former food stall owner Awang Hisham Bin Sitar, also known as Awang Sitar, has emerged as the Grand Prize winner, bringing home the Isuzu D-Max at the Grand Finale of MAGGI® Jom Masak Menang Bersama, held at the ITCC Penampang on Sunday.
The 42-year-old resident of Likas has transitioned into a full-time househusband, dedicating his life to nurturing and caring for his three children.
While the first runner-up received branded cooking appliances worth RM 3,000. The remaining five finalists also received RM1,500 worth of branded cooking appliances each.
Additionally, as part of the ‘Jom Masak & Menang Bersama MAGGI®’ contest, every purchase of MAGGI® products between May 1 and June 30, 2025, saw MAGGI® donating RM0.10, with the total of RM15,000 channelled towards PACOS Trust Sabah, an organisation supporting women and indigenous communities through empowerment efforts across the state.
In a joyous closing tribute to the traditions and hearty community spirit of Sabah’s Kaamatan season, MAGGI® shone the spotlight on enticing local flavours and cooks who represent the true essence of its theme, ‘Honouring the Cooks Behind the Festivities’ campaign.
The lively grand finale of the ‘Jom Masak & Menang Bersama’ campaign brought together enthusiastic home cooks, families, foodies and others for a feast of the senses.
Each year MAGGI® celebrates Sabah’s culinary heritage during Kaamatan as an immersive experience centred around the deep love for food and the meaningful moments shared as a community.
A beloved companion in Sabahan households and deeply embedded in the local culture and heritage, MAGGI® not only connects people and strengthens bonds through food, but it also empowers communities by supporting local causes and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Following an exciting two-month journey across Sabah, seven finalists went head-to-head to demonstrate their culinary skills in a cooking competition under the tagline “Warisan Citarasa Sabah”.
Guest of honour, Datuk Jannie Lasimbang, Chairman of the Rural Development Corporation (KPD) of Sabah, said, “The Kaamatan festivities are a time to come together, share joy, and celebrate over good food and company.
“For over two decades, MAGGI® has stood alongside us during these celebrations. Beyond embracing the unique culture and heritage of Sabah, MAGGI®’s ongoing efforts to support and uplift local communities are indeed commendable, and I look forward to continuing to deepen this meaningful partnership,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ms Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI®, Malaysia and Singapore, said, “We are deeply grateful for the support from Sabahans and honoured to be part of their lives and celebration each year.
Through worthy partnerships and heartfelt contributions during Kaamatan, MAGGI® can lend a helping hand to underserved communities so they move forward in life. Our strong heritage and presence in Sabah continue to enrich our annual campaign, enabling us to strengthen respect for local traditions and local cuisine through the stories of everyday cooks and their powerful role in preserving culture and connecting generations, while also unifying people.”
Taking it up a notch this year, MAGGI® paid tribute to a true Malaysian favourite – MAGGI® Kari-Lah, a flavour that hits every sense.
MAGGI® Kari is a beloved cultural icon known for its consistent, bold and deeply satisfying 12-spice broth. Its signature aroma and soul-warming taste have long united Malaysians across generations, states and occasions.
Bringing to life the spirit of taste and togetherness, the MAGGI® Kari-Lah Roadshow marked a milestone with its first-ever nationwide event in East Malaysia.
This travelling celebration brought Sabahans together to rediscover the warmth and joy this iconic dish represents.
Visitors of all ages had the opportunity to participate in a multisensory experience featuring the MAGGI® Kari-Lah journey, with five interactive zones inspired by taste, aroma, texture, sound and sight.
In addition, there were cooking showcases of Kerabu MAGGI® Latok and MAGGI® Kari Jeruk Bambangan by MAGGI®’s resident chefs, Chef Sharifah Hamidah Syed Mohsin and Chef Muhammad Hakimi Badrul Hisham, featuring local ingredients seasoned with popular MAGGI® products as well as vibrant performances, interactive games and fun-filled activities for the public to fully immerse themselves in the warm spirit of Kaamatan.
