MIRI: The ‘Ngepan’ (traditional attire) worn by Iban women needs to be maintained and preserved, says Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.
The Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government stressed that this was to ensure that the traditional costume—worn for special occasions. Ceremonies, rituals and dances, among others—would not be lost to time.
“Hence, today’s younger generation needs to be exposed to the uniqueness and special features of traditional clothing,” he said, as reported by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS).
Penguang, who is also the Marudi assemblyman, was speaking at the Sarawak-level Ngepan Iban Symposium here on Friday (Feb 10).
The symposium committee chairman added that the symposium was a platform for discussions and to further promote and protect the heritage of the Iban.
“The symposium also aims to showcase the ‘Ngepan’ so that it can be recognised and learned by the new generation and other races in Sarawak.”
In addition, he said it was also to showcase the beauty of contemporary costume designs inspired by the ‘Ngepan’.
“Therefore, I call upon the participants to use the opportunity to gain knowledge in learning and refining the ‘Ngepan Iban’ as the theme this year is Ngepan Pesaka Bansa, Uyungkak Pemansang Ekonomi Bansa Iban.”
The symposium is held in collaboration between non-governmental organisations, private companies and government agencies.
It is held for two days on Feb 10 and 11, and attended by more than 300 people from all over Sarawak.
