Kuntau Martial Arts Holds Potential As Cultural Tourism Attraction For Sarawak
MIRI: The art of Kuntau, a traditional heritage of the Iban community, has the potential to be highlighted as one of Sarawak’s premier cultural tourism products in an effort to attract more visitors to the state.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the traditional martial art not only symbolises the cultural identity of the local community but also possesses high heritage value for international promotion.
He noted that efforts to preserve and empower the art of Kuntau must continue to ensure this heritage is not lost to time, particularly among the younger generation.
“Kuntau is part of our cultural identity. Much like the ngajat dance, sape music, betabuh, and gendang pampat, it is an original heritage that must be continuously preserved and celebrated.
“Tourists visiting Sarawak want to experience the unique culture of the local people, and Kuntau holds great potential as a cultural tourism draw,” he said.
He spoke during the officiating ceremony of the Kuntau Competition held in conjunction with the Gawai Bazaar and Ethnocultural Festival for the 2026 State-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration at Bandar Baru Permyjaya on Saturday.
The competition received an encouraging response, with 104 participants from various divisions across Sarawak, including Sri Aman, Kanowit, Julau, Kapit, Bintulu, Sibu, and Miri.
Meanwhile, Datuk Snowdan encouraged Kuntau associations and cultural organisations to utilise the special funds provided by the ministry to implement cultural preservation programmes such as classes, workshops, and heritage arts training.
He mentioned that the state government allocates approximately RM10 million annually to support various cultural activities, including traditional dances, weaving, pua kumbu making, betabuh, and Kuntau.
He added that associations registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) with official accounts may apply for grants ranging from RM30,000 to RM70,000 to carry out related programmes.
At the same event, he announced a grant of RM20,000 to the Persatuan Kuntau Seni Kuntau Pukulan Tujuh Miri to assist with the association’s activities, in addition to presenting prizes to the winners of the Kuntau competition.-UKASnews
