Kota Kinabalu: Perkumpulan Perempuan Sabah President Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun has proposed for traditional ethnic costumes to be adopted as official attire at government functions.
While highlighting both their cultural significance and economic potential, Azizah said these traditional costumes, representing Sabah’s rich ethnic diversity, offer more than aesthetic value.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“These meticulously crafted garments serve as powerful symbols of our cultural identity and have significant commercial appeal both locally and internationally,” she said, at the Sabah Ethnic Cultural Night, here, Saturday.
The proposal aims to expand beyond the current practice of wearing batik on Thursdays, suggesting traditional ethnic wear be mandated for State Government celebrations and other appropriate occasions.
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Her advocacy extends beyond clothing to broader cultural preservation efforts.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});At the event, jointly organised by the Perkumpulan Perempuan Sabah and Sabah Department of Women Affairs, she pointed out the successful completion of a two-month ethnic dance training programme by 32 participants.
The association plans to expand its cultural initiatives to include handicrafts, beadwork and traditional costume-making.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Highlighting Sabah’s diversity, comprising 35 ethnic groups, 217 sub-ethnic groups, over 50 languages, and approximately 90 dialects, Azizah pointed out the importance of preserving these cultural elements for future generations.
She particularly emphasised the role of traditional arts, including music and dance from various communities like the Kadazan, Dusun, Bajau and Murut, in maintaining cultural identity.
“Cultural richness is not just our heritage, it is an economic asset that can drive tourism and support local creative industries,” Azizah said, adding how cultural preservation can contribute to both social unity and economic development in Sabah.
