Tiong: Kenyah heritage holds major potential for tourism, economic growth
by Jacqueline Raphael · Borneo Post OnlineMIRI (Dec 22): The rich cultural heritage of Sarawak, particularly that of the Kenyah community, holds strong potential as a key tourism asset that can foster unity and drive economic growth, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
In a speech delivered by Baram MP Dato Anyi Ngau at the closing dinner of the Sarawak Kenyah Culture Festival (SKCF) 2025 on Saturday, Tiong said that the festival – organised by Persatuan Kebangsaan Kenyah Sarawak (PKKS) – demonstrated how cultural heritage can transcend tradition to become a catalyst for tourism development and community empowerment.
He confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) had approved funding under the Cultural Sector Support Grant (GSSK) for the four-day event, reflecting the federal government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Malaysia’s diverse culture.
“The organisation of this festival proves that culture is not merely a legacy of the past, but an important tourism asset and a unifying force for society,” he said.
Tiong highlighted how traditional musical instruments such as the sape’ and ‘jatung lutang’, along with nearly forgotten traditional games and folk songs, were successfully revived and introduced to younger generations through the festival.
He noted that the sape’ has become a prime example of how Sarawak’s cultural heritage can gain international recognition, attracting growing interest not only locally but also from enthusiasts in Peninsular Malaysia.
“With active youth participation, our traditional instruments like the jatung lutang hold similar potential,” he said.
“Cultural heritage can only remain alive when it is practised, performed, and shared with younger generations.”
Tiong said his ministry would continue supporting similar initiatives through grants and strategic assistance, aimed at benefitting community development, creating employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Looking ahead, Tiong said community-based festivals such as the SKCF have strong potential to be featured in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar and the Malaysia Tourism Calendar, which would help attract both domestic and international visitors.
He also congratulated the organisers and participants for the festival’s achievement in securing recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for the ‘Longest Non-Stop Traditional Sape’ Performance’, which lasted 24 hours.
“This achievement will hopefully continue to inspire greater efforts to preserve and promote Sarawak’s cultural heritage,” he said.
During the event, Anyi announced government allocations totalling RM140,000 for PKKS in support of the festival.
The contributions included RM30,000 from Tiong; RM40,000 from Deputy Minister of Digital Wilson Ugak Kumbong; RM20,000 from Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan; RM30,000 from Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon; RM10,000 from Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Gerawat Gala; and RM10,000 from Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau.
Prior to the event, Anyi had also allocated RM30,000 to support the festival’s organisation.
Also present at the ceremony were Miri Resident Galong Luang and PKKS president Councillor Romulus Charles Agan.