BINTULU: The Iban community is called upon to maintain their customs and unique identity in tandem with the present time to ensure that the traditional practices of the community remain preserved.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi stressed that the community, like other Dayaks in Sarawak, is indeed rich in unique customs and culture.
“It simultaneously makes the Iban people well known for their interesting culture and high commercial values,” he said when officiating at the opening ceremony of the 1993 Iban Customs Seminar organised by the Suai Samalaju Zone Chiefs’ Association, held at the Li Hua Hotel, here yesterday (Feb 9).
The Samalaju assemblyman also urged relevant parties to use the knowledge gained during the seminar as a guide for every community leader to protect and preserve their customs besides leading the residents of their respective longhouses.
Therefore, he reiterated that the Iban community in Bintulu, especially in the Samalaju area, should preserve their customs and culture to ensure that they continue to be respected as a people with strong customs and institutions.
At the same time, Majang also encouraged the younger generation of the Ibans to learn their traditional dances and music such as tabuh and ngajat so that it can continue to be passed down to the next generations.
“The community involved should try to maintain wearing traditional clothing such as practicing the correct way to wear traditional clothes and do not forget the identity of the Iban people.
“As much as possible, the traditional culture of the Iban people should be commercialised to allow it to become one of the attractions for visitors from outside to come to Bintulu, especially to Samalaju,” he added.
About 50 community leaders who are members of the Suai Samalaju Zon Tribal Chiefs Association attended the seminar organised by the association in collaboration with the Sarawak Customs Council (MAIS).
