MIRI: About 1000 Ibans from throughout the state recently attended the Gala Ngepan Iban 2017 dinner held at a local hotel here.
Guest of honour at the dinner was Samalaju State Assemblyman, Majang Renggi.
The highlight of the dinner was the Kumang and Keling beauty contest.
Majang, who is also president of Raban Ngepan Iban (RNI), in his speech, explained that the ultimate objective of the association in organising the beauty contest was to pass on traditional arts and cultures to the younger generations.
Later, he presented prizes to the winners of the contest.
Majang also advised the younger generation to preserve the uniqueness of the Iban traditional arts like the weaving of the “pua kumbu” (woven cloth) and cultures.
Organising chairman, Steven Abas Patrick Agus, who is also the chairman of RNI Miri, added that it was part of RNI’s activities to promote Iban traditional costumes and “ngajat” (dances).
Among those present were the Assistant Minister for Tourism and Senadin State Assemblyman, Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Telang Usan State Assemblyman, Dennis Ngau, General Manager of Miri Port Authority and Chairperson of Miri Dayak Association, Sarawa Budol, heads of departments and community leaders.
