KOTA KINABALU: The Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan (BTK) pageant plays a crucial role in preserving the traditional clothing of the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) community.
Sabah Cultural Board general manager Mackey Apison said BTK's participants conducted research on the ethnic traditional clothing they represented to ensure that the traditional clothing is worn correctly and respectfully.
With the initiative, BTK had also successfully highlighted to the younger generation some seldom-seen traditional clothes such as the traditional clothing of Dusun Liwan - Garung Lapoi Liwan.
"BTK can also educate the public, especially the younger generation, about the proper wearing of traditional clothing.
"At the same time, it plays a role in educating the younger generation to distinguish between authentic and derivative attire, thereby strengthening the identity of Sabah's youth," he said at the registration for State BTK 2024, at the Sabah National Department for Culture and Arts (JKNS) here.
BTK is Sabah's cultural male pageant which promotes the uniqueness of the culture, customs and traditional clothing of the KDM community.
It has been organised since 2008 and later recognised as one of the official events for the state's Kaamatan Festival celebration since 2021.
Mackey said the organisation of BTK is a community statement that highlights shared values between men and women.
"In terms of cooperation, the Kaamatan Festival is a celebration for all men and women who have worked hard together in rice cultivation.
"In the context of fairness, the indigenous Borneo community is synonymous with a unique practice of gender equality."
He added that historically, the Unduk Ngadau pageant was only held in modern Kaamatan celebrations.
"If the Unduk Ngadau competition can be created, then BTK should also be celebrated, with more creative and innovative organisation to make it unique and attractive."
Meanwhile, State BTK organising chairman Casey Jovial said that in its 16th edition this year, the competition features 49 finalists from all over Sabah and Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) branches in the peninsula.
"The BTK champion will take home a total prize of RM70,170, including cash, education scholarships, an exclusive winner's headgear, sponsored dental treatment, and travel tickets to Vietnam," he said.
He reminded all the participants to set a good example for young people and fulfill their respective manifesto responsibilities with dedication.
The BTK final will take place at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA in Penampang, starting at 10am, on May 28.
Casey said around 4,000 people are expected to attend the final competition.