PENAMPANG, SABAH, MALAYSIA Nov 8, 2025 – In a vibrant celebration of Malaysian creativity and cultural heritage, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) launched My Gaya Sabah (MGS) 2025 today, extending the nation’s flagship “Buy Malaysian Products” (KBBM) campaign to the bustling fashion scene of Sabah for the first time.
The event, held at the International Technology Commercial Centre (ITCC) in Penampang, was officiated by Toh Puan Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Hajah Faridah Binti Haji Tussin, wife of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah. It builds on the success of My Gaya Month (MGM) 2025, which captivated audiences in Kuala Lumpur throughout October, by bringing the spotlight on local designers to East Malaysia.
Organized in strategic partnership with the Persatuan Pereka Bumiputera Malaysia (MBDA), MGS 2025 underscores KPDN’s commitment to empowering local industries through KBBM. “This initiative stimulates sustainable domestic economic growth while building consumer confidence in the quality of Malaysian-made products,” the ministry emphasized in its announcement. By focusing on inclusivity across economic sectors, KPDN aims to make KBBM a dynamic platform for enhancing competitiveness, particularly in the fashion industry.
The centerpiece of the two-day program was a high-energy fashion runway featuring 10 innovative local brands, with six hailing from Sabah. Designers wove the state’s rich cultural tapestry—drawing from indigenous motifs and Bornean identities—into contemporary attire, earning applause for blending tradition with modern flair. Attendees were treated to an exhibition and pop-up sales of 15 brands, alongside inspirational forums and panel discussions led by industry veterans in fashion, textiles, and entrepreneurship.
Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, highlighted the event’s role in fostering a more competitive local fashion ecosystem. “MGS 2025 serves as a vital platform to showcase the creativity of our designers and provide Sabah-based talents with networking opportunities alongside peers from Peninsular Malaysia,” he said. “This collaboration expands market reach for fashion products across regions, turning local ingenuity into national economic drivers.”
The initiative arrives at a promising time for Malaysia’s apparel sector. According to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the textile and clothing industry is valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion annually and is projected to surge to USD 4.47 billion by 2030. In Sabah, where tourism is accelerating, local fashion holds untapped potential as a draw for both domestic and international visitors, positioning it as a key attraction alongside the state’s natural wonders.
KPDN reaffirmed its dedication to unlocking this growth through multi-stakeholder partnerships, ensuring contributions to broader national economic progress. As the event wrapped up with calls of “Jom Beli Lokal” (Let’s Buy Local), participants left inspired to champion homegrown style.
My Gaya Sabah 2025 not only celebrates fashion’s role in cultural preservation but also reinforces KBBM’s message: supporting local means investing in a vibrant, self-sustaining future for Malaysia’s creative economy.
