KUCHING: The cultural heritage and identities of the various races in Sarawak must continue to be preserved and strengthened so that they are not swallowed up by the tide of modernity.

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan said that Sarawak has 34 tribes that have been gazetted and each brings unique history and cultural values.

In this regard, he said, efforts to introduce, preserve and promote this identity, especially among the younger generation, must be given serious attention.

"Sometimes these young people are too busy with technology and so on that they forget about the tribes in this state.

"That is why it is our duty to ensure that these tribes continue because this is our identity, the identity of Sarawak," he said during the Ngarom Bisamah Ceremony of the Segu Bunuk Penrissen Association (PSBP) 2025 at the Multipurpose Hall of the National Dayak Bidayuh Association (DBNA), here, on Saturday.

Datuk Snowdan added that cultural heritage is an important element in shaping the state's identity which is also the main attraction for tourists from home and abroad.

"When tourists come to Sarawak, the first thing they want to see is our tribes because we are very unique - with traditional clothing and diverse cultures. This is what makes us special in the eyes of the world," he explained.

Therefore, he called on Sarawakians who are abroad such as in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah or abroad to always bring with them their respective tribal identities as a symbol of pride and self-respect.

"If the child is Bidayuh, make sure they bring Bidayuh clothing. If you are Iban, bring Iban clothing. If you are Orang Ulu, bring what symbolizes your tribe. This is important so that they can show who they are, especially in official ceremonies," he said.

Datuk Snowdan also announced an allocation of RM20,000 to PSBP in support of efforts to preserve local culture and traditions.

Meanwhile, Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament and PSBP Patron, Datuk Willie Mongin, in his welcoming speech, suggested that this association could collaborate with other associations to strengthen community unity and strength.

"If the other associations are on the verge of collapse, we help them.

"I don't want to see our association to have the spirit of 'hangat hangat tahi ayam'. When it was established, we were enthusiastic. But over time, it faded and eventually sank. We must continue to move together and help each other," he said.

He added that various programmes have been implemented by PSBP to help the local community, but he admitted that there is still much more work to be done.

“We will continue to work hard, support the government, and play a role in the economic and political development of the state so that our responsibilities as a community continue to be fulfilled,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also expressed his appreciation to Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport and Mambong Assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil for approving the allocation to build the Segu Bunuk Cultural Centre, and informed that efforts are underway to identify a suitable land location.

“We hope that with this allocation, in the future we will have our own cultural centre which will be a symbol of our community’s heritage and identity,” he added.-UKASnews