KOTA KINABALU: Sabah ethnic traditional wear and its evolution have been documented into a bilingual book in efforts to preserve the knowledge on them.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministee Datuk Christina Liew attributed the success to Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Women Council for the first production of "Evolution of the Sabah Ethnic Traditional Costumes" (Volume 1).
Liew described the 175-page bilingual book with colourful illustrations as a unique publication, saying that it was well-researched, educational and informative.
"Indeed, it is a masterpiece. Syabas to the KDCA Women Council and Well done," she said after receiving a copy of the book from KDCA Women Council chairman Joanna Kitingan at Liew's office here.
Compiled and edited by Joanna and Dr Salbiah Kindoyop, the book has five chapters focusing on five Sabah's ethnic groups – Lotud, Dusun Tindal, Tahol Murut, Dusun Tanggara-Kuijou, and Tatana.
"It took us one year to accomplish what we set out to do. This book serves as a useful reference for primary, secondary, and university students.
"It is not only about ethnic traditional costumes but also contains information on ethnic communities in five districts," said Joanna during the courtesy call.
Joanna said the book would be officially launched before Kaamatan festival this year.
According to her, the KDCA Women Council was also working on the second volume expected to be completed this year.
"Volume two is about ethnic traditional costumes and ethnic groups in five other districts," said the former director of the Sabah Museum.
Meanwhile, the organising chairman of Borneo International Food Festival 2023 Leo Liew, said the inaugural event would be held from May 26 to 28 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) as a prelude to the state-level Kaamatan festival.
"We are creating a platform for the food and beverage (F&B) industry players to exhibit their menu and delicacies. There will be about 150 booths showcasing the cuisine peculiar to Malaysia and other Asian countries.
"We have invited food experts and enthusiasts from Taiwan, China, Thailand, Philippines and Korea to participate in the food festival," he said, adding that the festival would create opportunities for young people to venture into the F& B franchising business.
According to Leo, contemporary traditional costumes will also be paraded in a fashion show during the festival.