By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 19: Sarawak Health Department medical officer and administrator Dr Khairul Rizzuan Roslan has always loved the diverse ethnicities in Sarawak, which is reflected in the more than 30 traditional attires he owns.
Hailing from Sarikei, Dr Kahirul, who is of mixed Malay-Melanau heritage, shared that his love of Sarawak traditional attires started when he was studying at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
He said that while he was in UKM, he was always involved in activities related to events that enabled him to showcase Malaysia’s rich cultures and traditions.
“I did traditional dances and sang in choirs—I’ve even represented the university to go overseas. I am always proud to show our culture and tradition to Peninsular Malaysia and the world.
“Today, one of my collections will be a part of the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) attempt,” he told DayakDaily at the MBOR attempt to wear the most ethnic attire in a choreographed dance performance organised by the Rotary International District 3310 at the Kuching Waterfront today.
Dr Khairul, who donned his traditional Orang Ulu attire, said he was pleased to be involved in the MBOR event and together with other staff from the Sarawak Health Department, they managed to assemble 30 officers from all divisions and units from the department dressed in all sorts of Sarawak traditional attires.
“We are grateful to be able to contribute and be part of the MBOR. I hope this event will grow bigger in the future,” he said.
Hailing from Bintulu, 20-year-old Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak Campus Samarahan accounting student Muhammad Izzmeer Ajmal Harun revealed it was the first time he wore his Vaie traditional costume at a big event.
Muhammad Izzmeer said he was glad to represent his art society club at the university and was looking forward to doing the choreographed dance with his attire on.
“Sarawak is rich in culture and tradition. It is a very beautiful and colourful day with many people wearing their traditional attire. I am glad we could showcase our attire (Vaie) at the Kuching Waterfront, and I believe that not many people know our traditional attire,” he said.
With him was another UiTM student, Lara Lovena Loc-Lincoln, a Bidayuh lass from Bau.
“My mother made my traditional attire except for the accessories. She is so excited that I am involved,” said the accounting student.
A 20-year-old Iban-Bidayuh UiTM information management student, Frank John, who donned a Chinese costume, described the atmosphere as a fashion show.
“I am impressed with how beautiful our ethnic attire is, and I have never seen so many people wearing such costumes at one time or place. I feel like a model. It’s fun,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Chemistry Department officer Faizal Hussain said he had never felt so elegant in showing off his Jawa costume.
“I wish to make our Jawa community here proud and be part of the MBOR entry,” he said. — DayakDaily
