The Chinese Harvest Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, was celebrated on Monday (Oct 6), marking a night of reunion, moon-gazing, and the sharing of mooncakes across Sabah.
This year, a Lahad Datu-based bakery, Kee Fui Bakery, stood out for its creative take on tradition. Instead of featuring the classic Chinese moon goddess Chang’e on its mooncake tins, the bakery chose to showcase a Kadazandusun maiden, blending local culture with a centuries-old Chinese celebration — a move many Sabahans have praised as “uniquely Sabahan.”
The design not only reflects Sabah’s multicultural spirit but also resonates with the state’s many Sino-Native Bumiputera families. By incorporating local identity into its festive packaging, Kee Fui Bakery has gained attention for promoting cultural inclusivity while differentiating itself from West Malaysian competitors.
The limited-edition tins have since become collectible souvenirs, with many Sabahans keeping them as symbols of the state’s harmony and diversity during one of the most beloved festivals of the year.
