KOTA KINABALU: Realising the traditional knowledge in Sabah is at risk of becoming lost forever, a male cultural pageant intends to foster interest among the youngsters.
The Mr Kaamatan (MrK) or Buvazoi Tavantang organising chairman, Casey Jovial said the effort was in line with this year's Kaamatan festival theme, "Kaamatan Ensouls Nature".
"It is important to conserve traditional knowledge on medicinal plants and foster interest among the younger generations. Today not many young people know which plants can be eaten or used as a remedy to cure illness.
"So, we use this platform to expose the young contestants with traditional knowledge through various activities including spending a few days in a village.
"One of the tasks is to identify beneficial plants with the help of the village folk. They are also required to document their findings and make a presentation about it," he told New Straits Times.
A total of 44 young Kadazan Dusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) men from around Sabah and Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) branches are vying for the coveted State Buvazoi Tavantang 2022 title.
The registration and sash hand-over ceremony was officiated by State Cultural Board (LKNS) General Manager Mackey Apison, at the Sabah National Department of Culture and Arts (JKKNS) Auditorium yesterday. Also present was MrK 2021 winner Royvernand Jaydarren.
Casey said prizes worth more than RM60,000 await this year's title winner and attractive prizes would be offered to the other top winners.
"This year's MrK marks its 15th edition and since last year, it has been recognised as one of the official events for the State Kaamatan Festival and the LKNS has been appointed as the male cultural pageant's implementation coordinator," he said.
The MrK final is scheduled to be held at the JKKNS Auditorium on June 18.
Prior to the final stage, Casey said contestants would showcase contemporary wear by local designers during the 'A Night of Cultural Fashion' which is scheduled to be held on June 4.
"All finalists are also required to prepare a manifesto which is also their personal 'assignment' to contribute towards our culture and also to train them to become a leader.
"Other than preserving the KDMR culture, language, and traditional costumes, MrK is also a platform for the finalists to highlight their talents," he said, adding that several former winners and contestants had been hired for commercials and creative industry.
On May 30, Mr Kaamatan finalists will also make a joint appearance with district Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan representatives at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA.
The MrK was first held in 2008. It shares the mission and vision of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant - to promote the uniqueness of the culture, custom, and traditional costumes of the KDMR community.