Kuala Lumpur: Amid a sea of red and blue jerseys that filled the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, a Sabah FC supporter stole the spotlight ahead of the 2025-2026 FA Cup final between Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Sabah FC here on Sunday night.
Yap Ken Vun, 37, chose to attend the match dressed in traditional Kadazandusun attire, a decision that made his presence more than just an expression of support for his favourite team, but also a statement of pride in Sabah’s cultural identity and heritage.
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Ken Vun said the decision to don the traditional outfit had been planned early on as a symbol of Sabah’s ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as to introduce the state’s heritage to the thousands of supporters who packed the stadium.
“I planned this early because I wanted to do something different. Most fans at the final would be wearing their respective jerseys, but I wanted to stand out.
“I want to wear traditional attire for the final to showcase Sabah’s culture at Bukit Jalil Stadium,” he said.
Ken Vun attended the match with 14 family members, turning their support for Sabah FC into a family moment filled with the values of unity and togetherness. He also expressed confidence that Sabah FC could spring a surprise against defending champion JDT, thereby ending their 27-year wait to lift the FA Cup.
Meanwhile, for JDT supporter Mohammed Haffizuddin Baharuddin, 33, his support for the reigning champion at finals never wanes.
“We always make it a point to come and support the team in the final. Five buses were provided to transport JDT supporters to today’s final,” he said.
A Bernama survey found that the atmosphere at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil remained lively despite heavy rain since 5.30pm, with groups of JDT supporters, complete with musical instruments, chanting and singing songs of support to fire up the Southern Tigers.
