By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 9: The establishment of a Sarawak Custom, Culture and Tradition Centre is a timely and strategic move to strengthen the preservation of customs and culture as they are treasures that not only define Sarawak’s unique identity but also serve as vital assets to the State’s socio-economic development.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai said the centre would enable efforts to protect, develop and promote the indigenous heritage of Sarawak to be carried out more systematically, professionally and with greater impact.
“I fully support the proposal to establish the Sarawak Council for Native Customs and Traditions (MAIS) Custom, Culture and Tradition Centre.
“It is time for MAIS to play a more cohesive role in strengthening the preservation of customs and culture in Sarawak,” he said when officiating the MAIS Innovation Day 2025 and the Book Launching Ceremony at the Waterfront Hotel on Friday (Aug 8).
John Sikie noted that the initiative aligns with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises innovation, social inclusion and sustainable development as pillars for transforming Sarawak.
“Therefore, MAIS’s involvement in sparking creative and innovative ideas, as well as publishing research-based works on the customs, culture and traditions of the native community, is most appropriate and in line with its role in ensuring these legacies are preserved and promoted, especially among the younger generation,” he added.
The proposal to establish the centre was announced alongside the launch of five books on native customs and culture, including works focusing on the Bidayuh and Melanau communities, underscoring MAIS’s dedication to documenting Sarawak’s heritage.
With strong backing from the Sarawak government and the growing capabilities of MAIS, the centre is expected to become a catalyst for safeguarding Sarawak’s cultural legacy in an increasingly challenging and modernising world. — DayakDaily
