KOTA KINABALU, May 31 -- During the month-long Kaamatan fest, Sabahans are not only celebrating their cultural roots - they're evidently wearing them with pride.

The distinct black-and-gold trimmed traditional costumes of the Dusun tribes, the colourful beading of the Rungus and the many Murut motifs are donned by Sabahans of all walks of life whether they're at a social gathering, at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) or at school.

For seamstress Asurah Karim, Kaamatan is unarguably her busiest time of the year.

"Before May, we have to prepare to restock everything. The demand is 10 times higher than usual," said the 41-year-old tailor, who has been making traditional costumes in her boutique in Penampang since 2018.

"We us...