Kuala Lumpur: Borneo’s rich cultural diversity once again illuminated the capital as youths from Sabah and Sarawak took on the role of “cultural ambassadors” during a cultural parade held in conjunction with the Borneo Native Festival (BNF) 2026.
Despite being far from their hometowns, participants proudly showcased their ethnic identities by parading from Dataran Merdeka to Pasar Seni in colourful traditional attire, drawing attention from both local visitors and foreign tourists.
Parade participant Nathaniel Frayshion, 15, said taking part almost every year with his family not only helps ease his longing for his hometown in Sabah, but also strengthens ties among the Bornean community living in Peninsular Malaysia.
Nathaniel, who wore traditional Murut attire, said the cultural parade plays an important role in bringing the younger generations closer to their ethnic heritage.
“Although I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, I have never forgotten my family’s roots in Keningau, while my mother’s side is from Tambunan.
“Through this parade, I also learned more about traditional costumes from other ethnic groups. Events like this are important because many young people are still unfamiliar with the cultures of other communities, so if given the opportunity, they should join programmes like this,” he told Bernama.
Sharing a similar sentiment, Noorzia Mursalin, 35, described the cultural parade as an important platform for introducing the heritage of Sabah and Sarawak communities to people in Peninsular Malaysia as well as foreign tourists.
Having worked in Kuala Lumpur for the past 12 years, Noorzia said she was proud to wear the traditional Idaan ethnic attire from Lahad Datu despite spending about RM300 to prepare the outfit.
“I am proud to be the only Sabahan here wearing traditional Idaan attire from Lahad Datu. The parade is important because the cultures of Sabah and Sarawak are unique, yet still not widely known among communities in the Peninsula and among foreign tourists,” she said.
Meanwhile, Florence Johnny, 36, said participating in the BNF parade for the second time allowed her to introduce traditional Iban attire from Sarawak to a wider audience.
She said that although she only wore about 20 to 30 per cent of the full traditional accessories, she was still proud to represent her ethnic identity at the event.
“In the past, many people were unfamiliar with the cultures of Sabah and Sarawak, but now more people are beginning to appreciate them through programmes like this,” she said.
The cultural parade, held yesterday, was among the highlights of BNF 2026, which took place at Pasar Seni from May 22 until today.
The programme, organised by the Kuala Lumpur Sukaseni Association, was held in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival celebration in Sabah and the Gawai Day celebration in Sarawak.
