18-05-2025
Uggah: Tender to build Kubu Rentap replica to be issued soon
Uggah (centre), assisted by his wife Dato Doreen Mayang (second left), perform a padi harvesting gimmick to officiate the gathering.
KUCHING (May 19): The tender to build a replica of Kubu Rentap in Betong will be issued in a few months time, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said this project aims to tap into Betong's tourism sector, since there is now better access to the Division through the Pan Borneo Highway and other road networks and the upcoming Bebuling Short Take-off and Landing Airport.
'This project is expected to cost RM16 million for its first phase development,' he said at a pre-Gawai Dayak gathering jointly organised by the Spaoh Longhouse Chiefs Association and Spaoh Paku Madani Community in Betong yesterday.
It was previously reported the replica of Kubu Rentap would be built at its place of origin in Bukit Sadok, Betong.
On another matter, the Bukit Saban assemblyman urged longhouse chiefs associations in the Betong Division to play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the Iban's 'keresa pesaka' (cultural inheritance).
He said among them are the oral traditions of 'berbiau', 'beganu', 'pengap' and 'berpantun', the traditional 'ngajat' dance and the traditional' kuntau' martial art.
'Efforts must be made not only to preserve but promote them especially among the new generation. I hope our longhouse chiefs can come up with the relevant programmes in furtherance of this.'
He also hoped more youths would be involved in cultural activities during the coming Gawai Dayak celebration, so they can better appreciate their cultural inheritance and prevent it from disappearing.
'These cultural activities also have their own special attraction in the tourism world,' he added.
Uggah later announced grants totalling RM60,000 for the Spaoh Longhouse Chiefs Association to organise its cultural activities and cover its expenditures.
He also announced another grant of RM10,000 to the Bukit Saban SIKAR Kuntau group. douglas uggah embas Kubu Rentap lead tourism
