KUCHING: The Dayak Iban community in Sarawak should take pride in their cultures, customs and traditions, says Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts noted that “being one of the indigenous tribes in Borneo, we should be proud of our own identity by displaying it through our traditional costumes, dances, crafts, tattoos or even folklores.”
He said this when officiating as the guest of honour at the Majlis Makan Malam Persatuan Ngajat Asal Iban (NGASI) held at PCC Demak recently.
“One way we can promote Sarawak is to display to the world our various types of cultures that exist in our land to foreigners either through social media or by visits to other countries.
“If your children happen to study or work overseas, ask them to bring along their traditional costumes or gear for them to wear during their gatherings. That will help portray their origin and customary practices.
“Indirectly they become our ambassador promoting the multi- ethnicity of our land.”
He also explained the kind of financial support the ministry renders. “Every year, the ministry allocates funds known as the Facilitation Fund and Event Fund for clubs and associations to apply for funding their activities.”
He went on to encourage associations organising events such as workshops and seminars in the field of creativity to submit applications through the ministry website.
During the event, Snowdan gave a Minor Rural Project (MRP) funding of RM20,000 to the association, and also RM5,000 from Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang to support their ongoing activities.
Additionally, 12 participants who completed their ngajat session received certificates from Snowdan.
