Lee welcomes NGO efforts to promote culture, tradition

MIRI: Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin praised the effort of ethnicbased non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to promote their respective cultures and traditions, in line with the effort to promote tourism in this city.

According to Lee, this effort can work in two ways. Firstly, by upholding the culture and tradition of the community by preserving it, and secondly, by becoming a tourism product that will attract visitors to come here to see it.

In view of this, Lee, who is also the Minister of Land and Air Transportation and Safety, praised Raban Ngepan Iban Association (RNI) for their effort and commitment to uphold the Iban culture, especially through the promotion of Iban traditional attire known as ‘ngepan’.

“The association made a tourism product by promoting ‘ngepan Iban’ through a Kumang and Keling competition. This will not only attract the locals but also outsiders and tourists,” he said.

Lee made these remarks during the preliminary round of the RNI State Level Kumang/ Keling Competition which took place at Permymall on Saturday.

He also pledged his support towards the effort by RNI, saying that it is a platform that promotes understanding and unity among the people of various races, irrespective of their religious and political backgrounds.

Meanwhile, RNI president Steven Patrict Agus said he was overwhelmed by the response towards the competition.

He said it not only shows the interest of Iban youths, but would also promote the proper manner of wearing ‘ngepan’.

This indirectly gives opportunities and chances to the younger generation to understand their own traditional attire, as well as know the correct manner of wearing the said attire, while at the same time preserving the practice.

He also urged all members of the Iban community to always work together to preserve and uphold their traditions and culture, as well as continuously promote ‘ngepan’.

Meanwhile, a total of 17 Kumang and 17 Keling finalists will vie for the title of champion during the final round of the competition which will be held on April 8 at Meritz Hotel here in conjunction with RNI Ngepan Gala Night 2017.

Those interested to purchase tickets may contact Steven at 016-8074206.