Sabah Sports Fan Shines Spotlight On M'sia's Traditional Costumes At Paris Olympics

By Fadzli Ramli

TENOM, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- A Malaysian sports fan from Tenom, Sabah, was spotted wearing a Kadazandusun traditional costume and a Jalur Gemilang-themed tanjak (Malay headgear) while cheering for national athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Videos of Yap Ken Vun, 36, dancing the traditional Sumazau dance went viral on social media, captivating netizens worldwide. In one of the videos, he was also seen wearing the traditional baju Melayu.

Photos of the human resource executive wearing the traditional attire while waving the Jalur Gemilang at the Eiffel Tower were also circulated online, making Malaysian netizens, especially those from Sabah, swell with pride.

Yap, who saved RM12,000 for the trip, said that he not only wanted to support Malaysian athletes but also to showcase Sabah’s and Malaysia’s traditional culture to the world.

“I wanted to do something different but didn’t expect my photos and videos to go viral. I am proud as my identity as a Sabahan and Malaysian was featured on live television and seen by the whole world,” he told Bernama when contacted.

Yap was among the spectators showing unwavering support to the Malaysian badminton squad and athletics team, often drawing the attention of camera lenses.

He said he had the rare opportunity to witness the national shuttlers, Aaron Chia, and Soh Wooi Yik, as well as Lee Zii Jia, fighting to secure a bronze medal for Malaysia.

“…for me, seeing (athletes winning) two bronze medals at this Olympics made me satisfied and proud. It was such a rewarding experience to have come all this way,” he said, adding that he flew to Paris on July 6 and returned on Aug 6. 

Yap said being in Paris to witness the Olympics and provide his unwavering support to Malaysian athletes who went all out to make the country proud was an achievement for himself.

-- BERNAMA