MIRI: Traditional Iban martial art kuntau has the potential to be developed into one of Sarawak’s cultural tourism attractions to help draw more visitors to the state.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the traditional martial art not only reflects the cultural identity of the local community, but also carries strong heritage value that could be promoted internationally.
“Kuntau is part of our cultural identity. Just like ngajat, sape, betabuh and gendang pampat, it is an original heritage that must continue to be preserved and celebrated.
“Tourists who come to Sarawak want to experience the uniqueness of local culture and kuntau has great potential to become a cultural tourism attraction,” he said.
He said this when officiating at a kuntau competition held in conjunction with the Gawai Bazaar and Ethnocultural Festival for the 2026 State-level Gawai Dayak Celebration at Bandar Baru Permyjay, here yesterday (May 9).
Snowdan said efforts to preserve and strengthen the art of kuntau must continue to ensure the heritage is not lost over time, especially among the younger generation.
The competition received encouraging participation with 104 contestants from various divisions across Sarawak, including Sri Aman, Kanowit, Julau, Kapit, Bintulu, Sibu and Miri.
Meanwhile, he encouraged kuntau associations and cultural organisations to make full use of the ministry’s special funding to organise cultural preservation programmes such as classes, workshops and heritage training.
He said the Sarawak government allocates around RM10 million annually to support various cultural activities, including traditional dances, weaving, pua kumbu making, betabuh and kuntau.
According to him, associations registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) and with official accounts may apply for grants ranging from RM30,000 to RM70,000 for related programmes.
At the event, Snowdan also announced a RM20,000 grant for Persatuan Kuntau Seni Kuntau Pukulan Tujuh Miri to support the association’s activities, besides presenting prizes to competition winners.
