KUCHING: The culture and arts of the Bisaya community must continue to be documented, preserved, and promoted to ensure this heritage is not lost to time.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah noted that the unique dances, music, and attire of the Bisaya community are among the treasures that make Sarawak a state rich in cultural diversity.

According to him, he has directed the Sarawak Arts Council to refine efforts in documenting every ethnic group found in Sarawak, including their dances, lifestyle, culture, and heritage.

“In events we usually witness, the dances showcased are often Iban, Bidayuh, Malay, Melanau, and Orang Ulu — even though Orang Ulu includes the Bisaya, those typically showcased are Kayan and Kenyah dances.

“It is here that I see many other ethnic groups, whether Bisaya, Lun Bawang, Kedayan, Jati Miriek, or others, that also need to be elevated and showcased.

“If no effort is made, over time, their culture and arts could simply disappear. That is why this matter needs to be balanced,” he said when speaking at the Badudun Badapun 2026 Ceremony held at the UNIFOR Complex here on Saturday.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim added that the presence of the Borneo Cultures Museum also plays a vital role as a platform to display the culture of all ethnic groups in Sarawak.

He noted that the museum provides space for the heritage and culture of various ethnic groups in Sarawak to be introduced to the public and tourists.

“We do not want smaller ethnic groups to feel left out. That is why if you visit the museum, you will surely see a part of yourself reflected there.

“We want all ethnic groups in Sarawak to feel that Sarawak belongs to them, no matter how small their population may be, whether only 10,000 or 15,000 people — Sarawak belongs to us all,” he added.

During the ceremony, Dato Sri Abdul Karim announced a Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocation of RM50,000 to the Sarawak Bisaya Association Kuching City Branch to carry out more activities over the coming year. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator: Ryan Lim