Latest news with #Sabahans
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Modern elements eroding identity of traditional dressing of Sabah, Sarawak
Sarah Sanapan said that the Dusun Tindal shirt is among the best-selling, especially among Sabahans in the Peninsula, foreign tourists and cultural dancers. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (June 1): The combination of black fabric with touches of golden lace and sparkling beads continues to make traditional Sabah and Sarawak attire an admiration among many during the Kaamatan and Gawai Festival. Now, traditional clothing that was once popular only in two states in Borneo is increasingly gaining ground among young people, especially those working in the federal capital. The evidence was clearly visible at the Borneo Native Festival (BNF) at Pasar Seni here last week when many visitors appeared in traditional Sabah and Sarawak clothing, matched with modern styles. However, the increasing variety of modern styles is a little worrying for Sarah Sanapan, 59, a traditional Sabah tailor who strives to maintain the authenticity of each of her designs, especially the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, and Rungus (KDMR) clothing, so that it does not become lost over time. 'I am afraid that amidst the increasingly rapid stream of modernisation, traditional clothing is starting to lose its touch of authenticity with attempts to modernise it,' she told Bernama when met during the BNF recently. With over 20 years of experience sewing traditional KDMR clothes, the Bisaya woman said that traditional clothing tailors like her should play the role of cultural ambassadors to advise customers to maintain authentic traditional clothing. Sharing the process of sewing traditional clothing, Sarah noted that Sabah's traditional clothing varies according to tribes and regions, but the Sinipak Dusun Tindal shirt from Kota Belud is among the most complicated and time-consuming to complete. 'To complete a set of Dusun Tindal shirts takes five days because it requires precision when sewing the para-para (sleeves), siling (golden lace) and beads and the easiest is the Kadazan Penampang shirt with five suits completed in a day,' she said. However, Sarah said that the Dusun Tindal shirt is among the best-selling, especially among Sabahans in the Peninsula, foreign tourists and cultural dancers. Regarding the price of traditional clothing, she said it is sold between RM300 and RM2,000, depending on the jewellery and needs to be matched with accessories such as necklaces, bracelets and belts called himpogot or tangkong. Also sharing the importance of maintaining the authenticity of traditional clothing is Catherine Eric, a 57-year-old tailor from Sarawak, who first brought a collection from her state to Peninsular Malaysia through BNF. The Iban woman is concerned that incorporating too many modern elements or applications into traditional clothing will dilute the traditional art and meaning inherent in each garment. Catherine also shared that she receives many orders for traditional Bidayuh clothing, however, the sewing process takes time because the lis (golden lace) part needs to be sewn carefully. 'Usually it takes me two to three days to complete a set of Bidayuh clothes, but if there is an urgent request, I will try to at least complete the clothes in a day,' she said. A pair of Bidayuh women's clothes without any ornaments cost between RM250 to RM450 and it could reach RM1,500 if worn complete with ornaments such as a scarf, belt, bracelets and anklets, she said. Regarding BNF, Sarah and Catherine agreed that it is like a cultural bridge that introduces the rich arts and traditions of Sabah and Sarawak to the various ethnic communities in Peninsular Malaysia as well as foreign tourists. The annual festival, the Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day, are always eagerly awaited by the Borneo community in Peninsular Malaysia.-Bernama
Daily Express
20 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Over 450 Pulau Gaya residents benefit from HRD Corp outreach
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 Text Size: Sim and others at the event. KOTA KINABALU: The Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) and Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) have extended skills training and aid to over 450 residents of Pulau Gaya through the 'Sentuhan Kesuma bersama HRD Corp di Bawah Bayu' community outreach programme. Held in conjunction with National Training Week 2025, the event featured hands-on workshops in digital marketing, drop shipping, and floral entrepreneurship for women, youth, and students from Kampung Gaya, Lok Urai, Torong Logong and Kesuapan. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the ministry aims to reach 60,000 Sabahans with skills training this year, adding that national progress depends on equipping the people with better skills. HRD Corp also launched a strategic partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) under the SHINE initiative to establish Malaysia's first lifelong learning hub focused on workforce development and research. The event also saw the launch of an Industrial and Community Training Centre and included RM36,000 in equipment support for local tourism training, alongside RM20,000 in PTA donations, food baskets, and 700 life jackets for islanders. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
HRD Corp to train 60,000 in Sabah as govt ramps up upskilling for state, says Steven
KOTA KINABALU: The government is ramping up upskilling Sabahans this year, says Steven Sim, starting with HRD Corp's aims to train 60,000 people this year. The Human Resources Minister said this would be a fourfold increase from 15,000 participants in 2024. Speaking at a ministry event with HRD Corp in Pulau Gaya near here, Sim stressed that upskilling Malaysians, especially those in remote areas, is vital for individual empowerment and national development. 'We want every citizen to be equipped with skills that can help them earn a better income. When our people are skilled, the nation progresses too,' he said during the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 event on Sunday (June 1). 'Next week, HRD Corp will launch National Training Week 2025, and we will return to Pulau Gaya to train at least 5,000 residents,' he said. Over 450 residents from Kampung Gaya, Kampung Lok Urai, Kampung Torong Logong, and Kampung Kesuapan participated in the event, attending skills workshops focused on floral entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and dropshipping, alongside motivational talks for students. Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who also attended, said expanding access to training was key to unlocking employment opportunities and attracting major investments. 'Training like this does not just raise incomes, but also helps transform Sabah's economy and uplift communities,' he said. In line with long-term workforce development, HRD Corp also announced a strategic partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to establish Sabah Human Capital Initiatives and Nurturing Excellence (SHINE), Malaysia's first lifelong learning hub dedicated to research, training, and talent development tailored for Sabah. Deputy HRD Corp chairman Ahsim Jamat expressed hope that the SHINE model will set the standard for human capital development nationwide. The programme also saw the launch of the Industrial and Community Training Collaboration Centre, which included a RM36,000 boost in training equipment support under HRD Corp's Training Equipment and Facility Enhancement Scheme (ALAT) for local tourism industry players. Sim also presented several corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions, including 700 life jackets for daily boat passengers, food baskets for 300 families, and a RM20,000 donation to the parent-teacher associations of SMK and SK Pulau Gaya. Also present were Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, UMS registrar Luqman Ridha Anwar, and Jesselton University College president Professor Dr Chin Yuk Fong.
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Kaamatan shines with music, colour and unity
Celebrating the harvest: Women in Dusun Lobu Sook traditional attire holding gongs as they get ready to perform during Kaamatan. PENAMPANG: The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) hall exploded in colour, rhythm and community spirit as thousands of Sabahans – joined by curious tourists – packed the grounds to mark the highlight of the Kaamatan Festival. While the month-long festival is celebrated across the state, it is now that everything comes alive in full force; from the beat of traditional gongs and lively sumazau dance performances to the scent of grilled meat and displays of intricate handwoven beadwork. Beyond the much-anticipated Unduk Ngadau pageant, festival-goers are treated to a vibrant mix of attractions, traditional sports like mipulos (arm wrestling), cultural showcases and stalls offering Sabahan favourites and handicrafts. Among the crowd was Ho Ken Nyen, who flew in from Sandakan, over 300km away with three friends just to experience the celebration for the first time. 'I've always heard people talk about Kaamatan, but never had the chance to see it in person,' he said. 'As a Chinese Sabahan, I don't celebrate it, but I've always felt proud of this tradition. When I was studying in Peninsular Malaysia, I used to show my friends pictures of Kaamatan and I'd say, this is Sabah.' Meanwhile, the countdown has begun for a new young maiden to take centre stage and be crowned Unduk Ngadau, and step into the role of cultural ambassador. A dancer in traditional costume performing during the Kaamatan event. The grand finale of the 65th Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan will be held today at KDCA's iconic Hongkod Koisaan hall, the heart of Sabah's native heritage where traditions, history and customs of the indigenous communities are preserved, honoured and proudly celebrated. Each year, people from all over the state converge here to cheer on their district representatives in this highly anticipated event. 'I am here to find out the next Unduk Ngadau. To me, it does not matter which district she's representing, because I feel that they are all beautiful. 'We are here to celebrate the tradition and culture, that is all that matters,' said Diana Paul from Kota Marudu. For reigning queen Hyellene Danius, this marks the close of a meaningful year-long journey as the face of Sabah's cultural pride. The youngest of nine siblings, Danius, who represented Inanam district, is a Bahasa Malaysia teacher at SJK(C) Tsi Sin in Tenom. Last year, she captured the judges' hearts not only with her beauty and elegance but also with her poise and fluency in answering two questions in the Dusun language during the question-and-answer session. From heritage forums and gala nights to traditional crafts, cooking and visits to the Sabah Museum and Kampung Budaya Koisaan, each Uduk Ngadau contestant has immersed herself in the spirit of Huminodun, the legendary figure the pageant honours.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah's linopot a hit at Kuala Lumpur Borneo Fest
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: Anna Stanislaus (left) and public enjoying linopot. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah's native cuisine is gaining widespread recognition with increasing demand for traditional dishes at cultural events such as the Borneo Native Festival (BNF), recently held in Kuala Lumpur. Among the most sought-after dishes was Linopot, a traditional dish where rice is wrapped in banana or Tarap leaves, an appreciation for Sabah's native food culture. According to Raffy Swazwan, President of the Sukaseni Association in Kuala Lumpur, Linopot had consistently been a festival favourite, attracting both local and international visitors eager to experience the authentic flavours of Sabah. He had encouraged passionate Sabahans to expand their culinary expertise beyond their home state, saying that traditional cuisine holds significant commercial potential in the food scene. One entrepreneur working to preserve and promote local cuisine is Anna Stanislaus, a Kadazan who owned Inai Kitchen, a small eatery in Penampang to keep Kadazandusun flavours alive. Inspired by her mother, Mathilda Sipili, Anna had long been passionate about preserving and innovating native dishes, ensuring they remain relevant especially for younger generations. Advertisement Her journey began in Kg. Kobusak, where she opened a small eatery catering to locals. Despite her commitment and passion, she admitted that she never received financial assistance from the government. Determined to pursue her dream, she worked to fund her own venture. Inai Kitchen first opened in 2022, next to her home. However, frequent flooding forced her to shut down repeatedly, making it difficult to sustain her little business. In seeking stability, she relocated her shop to Country Heights Plaza, choosing a flood-free location where she could continue with her little business. She continued reviving traditional dishes with a modern twist, hoping to bridge heritage and contemporary tastes. She believes that it can help younger generations connect with their roots, preventing traditional dishes from being overshadowed by fast-food trends. As Kaamatan continues to be celebrated throughout May, traditional food remains central to the festivities. With entrepreneurs like Anna pushing Sabah's cuisine onto a bigger stage, and with dishes like Linopot gaining recognition, the appreciation for indigenous flavours became stronger. She also shared her skills in preparing traditional dishes such as Bambangan, Tuhau, and Hinava, which she learned from her family and remained grateful for. Growing up, she embraced the knowledge passed down to her, turning her passion for native cuisine into an income-generating hobby. By refining the recipes and incorporating them into her menu, she continues to honour her heritage while making a living through her love of food. As rice is the staple food of communities, the legendary story of its origins continues to be honoured. The journey from paddy to rice is a symbol of gratitude to farmers who sustain the tradition. 'In this context, Linopot holds deep significance, not only as a traditional dish but as a way to preserve and promote our legacy, particularly among younger generations,' she said.
