By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 20: Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has paid tribute to the late Ngot binti Bi, a master craftswoman recognised for preserving Sarawak’s traditional tikar bergerang weaving heritage.
Ngot passed away on Sept 7 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship and dedication to safeguarding the traditional weaving art.
In his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, Abdul Karim described Ngot as one of Sarawak’s most distinguished master craftswomen and a respected custodian of the State’s tikar bergerang weaving heritage.
“Her exceptional craftsmanship earned her the UNESCO Seal of Excellence for Handicraft Products in Southeast Asia in 2005.
“In 2014, she was appointed Adiguru Kraf Anyaman Bergerang by Kraftangan Malaysia in recognition of her lifelong dedication to preserving the traditional craft,” he said.
Ngot’s contributions received further recognition at the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards 2024, where she received the Hasanah Gold Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Traditional Plaiting Award.
Her achievements reflected her enduring contribution to preserving Sarawak’s traditional handicraft heritage and maintaining the cultural significance of tikar bergerang weaving for future generations. —DayakDaily
