Deputy minister calls on Dayak NGOs to tap grants, preserve cultural heritage

KUCHING (Dec 8): Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, has called on Dayak-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to actively apply for cultural grants to safeguard and promote their heritage.

Speaking at the Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Kuching Branch pre-Christmas gathering here on Saturday, Snowdan revealed that Dayak organisations remain among the least likely to apply for the substantial grants provided annually by his ministry.

“The irony is, those who apply the most are Malay, Chinese, and Melanau-based associations.

“Our own Dayak NGOs are very slow to apply. The funds are there. They cannot be carried forward. If we don’t apply, we lose out,” he said.

The ministry allocates RM10 million annually for cultural workshops and training, and another RM50 million for festivals and creative events.

Snowdan urged registered clubs, associations, and community groups to use these allocations to conduct workshops on traditional crafts such as weaving, beadwork, embroidery, and practices like traditional music, drumming, and even the Iban martial art Kuntau.

He disclosed that the ministry recently approved RM100,000 for a state-level Iban Kuntau programme.

Snowdan also acknowledged that Sarawak’s 34 ethnic groups each carry distinct traditions, dances, culinary heritage, and attire, which form an integral part of the state’s identity.

However, he cautioned that many minority groups – including the Sekapan, Kiput, Bakatan, Penan, Saban and Tereng – now number only a few thousand or fewer, making them vulnerable to cultural erosion.

“Our race is our identity. We must preserve our culture and pass it on to the younger generation. Technology is good, but don’t let it make us forget who we are,” he said.

He expressed concern that some Dayak families’ preference for English use at home has led to children losing fluency in their mother tongues.

Highlighting the economic value of culture, Snowdan noted that cultural tourosm continues to drive gains.

“Sarawak recorded the arrival of 4.01 million tourists, generating RM10.2 billion in tourism receipts as of October this year,” he said.

He said events funded by his ministry generate direct benefits for local artisans, performers, and small entrepreneurs.

To further support this, the ministry is developing a Creative Industry Directory to help match cultural practitioners with tourists, businesses, and event organisers.

Snowdan reminded potential applicants to ensure their associations are properly registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS), maintain active bank accounts, and submit complete documentation and proposals.

He praised the creative cultural performances at the gathering, which blended Dayak elements with Christmas themes, and announced a contribution of RM20,000 to support SIDS Kuching’s activities.

“I want to see success stories from Kuching. Use the funds well and report transparently to your members,” he said, before wishing attendees a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2026.

Among the distinguished guests present were community leader Temenggong Nelson Kloni, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Kuching Branch chairman Thaddeus Ling Alu, SDNU Youth chief Amarjeet John Gendi, SIDS Kuching Branch chairperson Bunie Japah, and event organising chairperson Alice Manggoi.