6 days ago
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Pageant puts spotlight on Bajausama traditional attire
Published on: Monday, August 11, 2025
Published on: Mon, Aug 11, 2025 Text Size: Contestants of the Children's Traditional Costume Competition. Tuaran: The Ratu Serimpak pageant showcases the beauty of traditional attire and the cultural heritage of the Bajausama community, which must be preserved for future generations. Sabah Bajausama Community Association (PRBSS) Vice-President Datuk Japlin Akim said the event is more than just a beauty or costume competition, it serves as a platform to empower knowledgeable, capable Bajausama women who understand and value the customs and traditions of their ancestors.
Advertisement 'Judging is not confined to the night of the pageant itself but starts from the very first day the contestants arrive. 'They have taken part in various activities such as cultural workshops, briefings, and traditional events, enabling the judges to comprehensively assess their personality, cultural knowledge, and commitment to the Bajausama heritage,' he said when officiating the Ratu Serimpak 2025 Grand Final, held in conjunction with the Sabah Bajausama Cultural Festival at the PRBSS Cultural Centre here on Friday. Japlin added that the competition is more than just a stage performance. 'It is a platform to find cultural ambassadors who can represent our identity to the world, safeguard our heritage roots, and reignite the younger generation's spirit to embrace who they are as Bajausama,' he said.
Advertisement A total of 20 contestants have been competing since August 6, with the final results to be announced on the festival's closing day this Sunday. Also present were PRBSS Secretary-General Datuk Kassim Razali and Ratu Serimpak 2025 Competition Chairman Muhd Arziz Afizy Rumsani. Meanwhile, the Children's Traditional Costume Competition for Sabah's ethnic groups was held in lively fashion on Friday in conjunction with the 2025 Sabah Bajausama Cultural Festival at the Lok Batik Cultural Hall. A total of 93 children took part, 14 from Kemas nurseries (Taska) and 79 from Kemas kindergartens (Tabika), showcasing a variety of traditional attire from Sabah's ethnic communities, including Bajau, Dusun, and Murut. The competition was divided into four categories: Tabika boys, Tabika girls, Taska boys, and Taska girls. In the Taska Girls category, first place went to Maryam Afifi Mohd Aziz from Taska Kemas Kampung Bolong Lama, followed by Aish Khadijah Amli (Taska Kemas Kampung Bolong Lama) in second place and Rania Azzalea Samsul (Taska Kemas Kampus Intan Sabah) in third. The Tabika Girls category saw Dellisyah Yusni from Tabika Kemas Taman Sri Rugading crowned champion, with Erena Etna Brian (Tabika Kemas Pekan Kiulu) as runner-up and Nurmisha Afifah Indra (Tabika Kemas Kampung Penimbawan) in third place. In the Tabika Boys category, first place went to Alddrey Arddy L. Bonny (Tabika Kemas Kampung Suromboton), second to Muhammad Aisy Firdaus Raynol (Tabika Kemas Taman Sri Rugading), and third to Aeril Miqail Ashar (Tabika Kemas Pertanian). Meanwhile, in the Taska Boys category, Muhammad Aniq Mikail Juidi (Taska Kemas Kampung Bolong Lama) took the top spot, followed by Muhammad Haufan Hazza Ahamzah (Taska Kemas Kampung Bolong Lama) in second place and Niyaz Mikail Muhammad Nazri (Taska Kemas Kampus Intan Sabah) in third. All winners received cash prizes, certificates, and hampers presented by Sabah Bajausama Community Association Supreme Council member Raisin Gagah, representing Festival Organising Committee Chairman Datuk Kassim Razali. The event was jointly organised by Kemas and the Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS). * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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