KUCHING: The traditional Iban martial art, kuntau, can be another tourism draw in Sarawak.
In stating this, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, said efforts to preserve and promote kuntau must therefore be stepped up.
This, he said, can also be done through large-scale annual activities capable of attracting international tourists.
“We must continue to uphold Iban culture and make it a tourism draw. Unique traditions like kuntau can add great value to Sarawak’s tourism industry,” he said during the Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association (SIKAR) dinner here on Saturday.
He made these remarks after presenting an allocation of RM10,000 to SIKAR in support of the association’s mission to elevate the art of kuntau.
Previously, his ministry had also allocated RM100,000 for the same purpose.
Snowdan expressed hope that the funds would be used to train the younger generation, ensuring the continuity of this cultural heritage.
“Kuntau is not only a cultural practice but also a sporting activity cherished by the Iban community in Sarawak,” he stressed, urging all SIKAR branches to continue empowering this traditional art form.
Meanwhile, SIKAR President, Basil Laman, said the association currently has 50 branches across the state with approximately 5,000 members.
Various initiatives, including kuntau competitions, are being planned as part of their efforts to broaden recognition of the art.
“Through such programmes, we hope to nurture youth interest in sports and martial arts,” he said.
