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.