Minister calls to preserve handcrafted works, safeguard Iban heritage
MIRI (Aug 11): The Iban community, especially women, have been urged to protect their rich tradition of crafting handmade handicrafts – creations that carry far greater cultural and artistic value than mass-produced items.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the rapid advancement of machines and faster production methods has made it increasingly difficult for the Orang Ulu community, including the Iban, to sustain traditional craftsmanship.
'If we fail to protect this cultural heritage, both present and future generations will lose it,' he cautioned.
Lee, also the Senadin assemblyman, stressed that handcrafted works are one-of-a-kind, often fetching higher prices because of their uniqueness and the skill required to produce them.
'Most products today are machine-made, but handicrafts created by hand have their own uniqueness and are valued more highly,' he said during the Serakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Miri fundraising dinner here yesterday.
He noted that in the past, the Orang Ulu and the Iban communities relied solely on manual skills to create their works – a painstaking process that significantly enhanced the value of each item.
'This is an industry worth focusing on, one that celebrates traditional craftsmanship and distinctive designs. It is important that we pass these skills to the younger generation,' he said.
Lee also pointed out that handmade items have the potential to command higher prices when marketed online, with the opportunity to reach international buyers.
Thus, he called on the older generations to pass down their knowledge and skills to the youth so these traditions continue to thrive.
Lee also encouraged the Iban community to promote and preserve their traditional food-making methods, including using bamboo to cook signature delicacies.
'I hope to see SIDS Miri organise a food festival that showcases the Iban's unique way of making traditional food one day,' he said.
At the same event, Lee announced a RM10,000 grant to SIDS Miri to support its activities throughout the year.
Also present at the dinner was SIDS Miri chairlady Benika Angi. Handicrafts Iban community lead Lee Kim Shin
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