Younger generation of the Dayalk community should learn to make handicrafts of their ancestors, says Francis

SRI AMAN, May 24 206:  The younger generation of the Dayak community should learn to make handicrafts of their ancestors to ensure that the community's cultural treasures continue to be preserved and passed on to future generations.

Caption: Deputy minister Francis Harden says don't let the handicrafts be stored at home. 

Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Francis Harden Hollis said that this effort is important to ensure that the Dayak handicrafts continue to be highlighted to the various communities in the state.

"The ancestors of the Iban community have passed on the knowledge of making handicrafts such as pua kumbu, bead weaving, baskets, mats and many more to their descendants.

"This tradition needs to be maintained among our younger generation. Therefore, I request all relevant parties to work hard to hold competitions or activities for making Dayak handicrafts from time to time," he said at the pre-Gawai Dayak dinner and Keling and Kumang competition 2026 at the Sri Aman Civic Hall last night.

Francis, who is also the State Assembly Member (SLM) for Simanggang, said that Dayak handicrafts enthusiasts are also encouraged to find more creative approaches to market their products to the community in the state.

"Don't let your handicrafts be stored at home. Maybe you can market the products during the Sri Aman Benak Festival or through the internet website.

"That way, Dayak handicrafts can be developed and subsequently attract the interest of our younger generation to continue the tradition in the future," he said.

Also present were Sri Aman District Council Chairman Anthony Abell Chendan and Sri Aman Gawai Dayak Festival Committee Chairman Temenggong Leonard Libau Anol.

 

MIring ritual for UNESCO recognition?

SIBU, May 24 2026: The Miring ritual, which is a traditional practice of  the Dayak community seeking blessings from Petara, has great potential to be recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage at the national level before being considered for recognition under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Caption: Federal Minister Aaron Ago Dagang says the Miring ritual has high cultural and spiritual value 

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang said the ritual has high cultural and spiritual value because it is full of elements of gratitude, respect for nature and requests for the well-being of the community.

According to him, the ritual is still practised to this day, especially during Gawai celebrations and traditional ceremonies of the Dayak community.

“It is still practiced to this day, especially in the celebration of Gawai and traditional ceremonies of the Dayak community.

“Therefore, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) through the National Heritage Department needs to gazette this ceremony as a National Heritage first so that it can be documented, preserved and promoted more comprehensively,” he said when officiating the Sibu Division pre- Gawai Dayak celebration 2026 last night.

Aaron, who is also Kanowit Member of Parliament, also drew attention to the successful recognition of the traditional Ajat as a National Heritage in 2007 which proves the country’s commitment in upholding the culture of indigenous people.

According to him, under the National Heritage Act 2005 [Act 645], Intangible Heritage refers to the practices, expressions, knowledge and culture of a community that has aesthetic, historical and high identity value to the country.

He said this heritage encompasses various forms of traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation and have become a symbol of the identity of the multi-racial Malaysian community.

“Therefore, the National Heritage Department continues to strengthen efforts to conserve and preserve intangible heritage through four the main branches are Custom and Culture, Performing Arts, Language and Literature and Fine Arts and Crafts.

“All these elements play an important role in ensuring that the country’s cultural treasures continue to be sustainable and appreciated by future generations,” he said.

The Sibu pre-Gawai celebration was jointly organised by the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu, Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Sibu, Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA) Sibu and the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Sibu.

Aguilera Nita is Lubok Antu District Kumang Gawai 2026

By CW Claire 

LUBOK ANTU, May 23 2026: Aguilera Nita Eugenine Berjaya was crowned Lubok Antu District Kumang Gawai 2026 beauty pageant, beating seven other finalists today.

Caption: Aguilera Nita (seated) was crowned Lubok Antu District Kumang Gawai 2926 

Aguilera, from Tawai, Engkilili, brought home RM8,000 in cash, a trophy, a bouquet of flower, a certificate and a sash, today.

In second place was Dyra Marcella Nickson Luta from Merindun who received RM5,000 in cash along with a trophy, a bouquet, a certificate and a sash.

The third place was won by Cynthia Chong Tze Yie from Selindung Ulu who took home RM5,000 in cash along with a trophy, a bouquet, a certificate and a sash.

The title “King of Night” went to Father Afron Gorie who appeared handsomely dressed in traditional Bidayuh attire, taking home RM500 in cash and a trophy.

The Kumang contest was held in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration at Lubok Antu Sports Complex Hall.

Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh was excited to be with the community in Lubok Antu in conjunction with the Gawai celebration as well as strengthening ties among the local community.

In his speech, he said he expresses his support for the development efforts in rural areas and the improvement of the living standards of the people in the interior and coastal areas.

“Sarawak’s economy is now growing and the people need to work together to maintain all the facilities and developments that have been provided for the progress of the state,” he said..

The ceremony was also enlivened by a ‘Gendang Pampat’ performance as well as Iban ajat performance.

Among those present was Lubok Antu Member of Parliament Roy Angau Gingkoi.

 

"It is a scam," says Sarawak Tourism Board on fraudulent online promotion of fake ticket sales for RWMF

KUCHING, May 23 2026: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) today issue alert notice to the public to a fraudulent online promotion currently circulating on social media involving fake ticket sales for the 29th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).

Caption: Sarawak Tourism Board alerting the public to counterfeit websites 

STB said the scam redirects users to counterfeit websites and ticketing pages designed to closely imitate the official RWMF website and the platform of its authorised ticketing partner, Ticketmelon. It It said it has verified with Ticketmelon that the websites and promotions concerned are fraudulent and are not affiliated with Ticketmelon or RWMF in any manner whatsoever.

“Members of the public are strongly advised to exercise caution and purchase tickets only through the official RWMF website at: rwmf.net and authorised ticket resellers,” STB said in a statement.

It urged Festivalgoers to avoid clicking on suspicious links shared through unofficial platforms or social media postings and to carefully verify website addresses before making any online transactions.

It said it is treating the matter seriously and has initiated the necessary measures to report and remove the fraudulent links and websites to protect the public from potential financial losses and misuse of personal information.

“The public is also encouraged to help share this advisory with family members, friends, and networks to prevent others from falling victim to the scam,” STB advised.

For verified festival information, announcements, and official ticket purchases, please refer only to the official RWMF communication channels and website. The safety, trust, and confidence of our festival community remain a priority to STB.

The 29th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival is scheduled to be held at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong from June 26 to 28 this year.