Preserving Sabah’s diverse ethnic costumes, therefore, is no easy task. Fortunately, some young Sabahans are deeply passionate about their heritage and are actively working to revive and bring new life to their traditional clothing.
One such person is Mohammad Adzri Barti Bahang, a Bajau youth who specialises in sewing all types of Sabah ethnic wear. Operating from a rented shop in a shopping complex in Penampang here, the 24-year-old was busy embroidering a piece of black velvet cloth when met by Bernama.
He completed each stitch skilfully and with full concentration, pausing occasionally to wipe beads of sweat trickling down his forehead.
Adzri’s fascination with heritage attire began eight years ago when he began helping his family business, which also involved sewing and selling traditional garments.
“We used to sell the clothes at the weekly market in Penampang. It was then I realised I was interested in sewing, so from there, I decided to continue the family legacy,” he shared.
For him, the biggest challenge has been in meeting requests from customers to modify the attire to give it a modern twist. “I have to carefully consider the request, because in the case of certain garments, we cannot change the design so as to preserve the authenticity of its identity.”
Since opening his shop in Penampang in 2018, he has been receiving a steady stream of customers comprising locals and foreigners.
“We have even received orders for traditional attire from Sabahans living in China and Australia,” he shared, showing a picture of a customer from Australia wearing a traditional Kadazan outfit he had sewn.
Showcasing traditional attire
Meanwhile, 36-year-old Yap Ken Vun believes young Sabahans should be proud to display their traditional costumes. In August, a photo of him wearing a traditional Kadazandusun outfit at the Paris Olympics went viral on social media.
Yap, who hails from Tenom and works as a human resources executive, feels the younger generation should actively promote and showcase Sabah’s diverse cultures to the international community.
“I’m an avid sports fan and was willing to spend money to support the Malaysian contingent in Paris,” he said, adding that he had saved up for three years to make his trip to Paris.
“My main reason for wearing traditional Sabah attire was to do something different. I took this opportunity to introduce our traditional outfit to the public,” he added.
For Rivayida Mohd Ravai, who is from the Rungus ethnic group, parental influence is important in fostering love and pride in traditional attire and culture among the younger generation.
“Parents need to instil in their children a sense of love for our ancestral identity and traditions. For example, in the Rungus community, which is skilled in beadwork, we pass down that knowledge to our younger generation.
“I believe many young people are eager to learn but lack encouragement or exposure,” she said.
The 47-year-old government employee said she supports initiatives that promote Sabah’s rich ethnic identities and cultures, including traditional crafts, clothing and dances.
“Our society must unite in preserving the ethnic heritage of our ancestors; it is a priceless legacy belonging to human civilisation, especially in a state rich in ethnic diversity,” she added.