by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 18: The tender for the construction of a replica of Kubu Rentap, the fortress of legendary Iban warrior Rentap, will be issued in the coming months, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas announced.
“Tender for the construction of the replica of our legendary hero Rentap’s fort will be issued in a few months’ time,” he said.
“This project is expected to cost RM16 million for its first phase development,” he added. Uggah had previously stated that he aims to get the project underway this year.
He made the announcement during a pre-Gawai Dayak gathering at the community hall here today, jointly organised by the Spaoh Longhouse Chiefs’ Association and the Spaoh Paku Madani Community.
In support of local cultural initiatives, Uggah also announced grants totalling RM60,000 for the Spaoh Longhouse Chiefs’ Association to fund its cultural activities and operational expenses, along with a RM10,000 grant for the Bukit Saban SIKAR Kuntau group.
He further urged longhouse chiefs to take a leading role in preserving and promoting the Iban community’s keresa pesaka (cultural heritage).
He highlighted that the Iban heritage includes oral traditions like ‘berbiau’, ‘beganu’, and ‘pengap’ (ritual chantings), as well as ‘berpantun’ (poem recital), ‘ngajat’ (traditional dance), and the traditional Kuntau martial art.
“Efforts must be made not only to preserve but promote them especially among the new generation. I hope our longhouse chiefs can come up with the relevant programmes in furtherance of this,” he said.
He suggested that during the Gawai Dayak celebration, youths could stage performances that showcase these traditions.
Uggah also highlighted the tourism potential of Iban cultural practices.
“Betong is now getting better linked to the outside world through the Pan Borneo Highway and others and soon the Bebuling Airport. Let us tap into our tourism sector.” – DayakDaily
