Tiong participates in the miring ritual, a traditional ceremony observed to offer blessings and pay respect to ancestral spirits.
BINTULU (June 3): Sarawak’s longhouses remain among Malaysia’s most unique tourism products, offering authentic cultural experiences that are increasingly sought after by international travellers, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
He said modern tourists are no longer merely looking for picturesque destinations but are seeking meaningful experiences and stories that allow them to connect with local communities and traditions.
“Longhouses in Sarawak offer all of these in a single experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world,” he said when officiating at the Gawai Day Open House 2026 held at Rumah Panjang Dato Raymond ak Phen @ Plen here on Tuesday.
The event was attended by China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, international tourists, media representatives, participants of a familiarisation (FAM) trip organised by Tourism Malaysia, and members of the local community.
Tiong said the presence of foreign visitors at the celebration demonstrated the growing international appreciation for Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life.
He noted that traditional ceremonies and performances showcased during the event, including the Miring ritual, Pampat drum performances and the ‘Ngelaluka Temuai’ welcoming ceremony, reflected the diversity and richness of Sarawak’s cultural heritage that should continue to be preserved and passed on to future generations.
“Through experiences like these, the international community can discover the real Sarawak. They can experience our culture, traditional food, local handicrafts and customs that have been practised for generations,” he said.
Tiong said longhouses play a significant role under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s (MOTAC) Malaysian Experience Homestay Programme, serving as outstanding examples of community-based tourism.
He also pointed out that some people outside Borneo still hold inaccurate perceptions of the Iban community, making such visits important in showcasing the reality of modern longhouse life.
“Visitors can see for themselves how longhouse communities live in a modern, harmonious and progressive environment while preserving their cultural identity.
“Even more remarkable is the spirit of togetherness practised by longhouse communities. The tradition of mutual cooperation continues to thrive, making the longhouse a symbol of unity built on cooperation, mutual assistance and shared responsibility,” he said.
Tiong described Rumah Panjang Dato Raymond Plen as an example of how cultural heritage can continue to flourish alongside social and economic development.
He hoped the community would continue preserving its cultural identity, noting that safeguarding traditions not only benefits younger generations but also creates economic opportunities through tourism, handicrafts, traditional food and community-based activities.
“Let us continue to preserve our culture, strengthen unity and advance the tourism, arts and cultural sectors for the benefit of the people and future generations,” he said.
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