Minister proposes gazetting Dayak miring as National Heritage, paving way for Unesco bid

SIBU, May 24 — The National Unity Ministry has proposed that the traditional Dayak ceremony, namely ‘miring’, be gazetted as National Heritage.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang, when proposing it, said the ceremony has great potential to be recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage at the national level and subsequently considered under Unesco.

Therefore, he said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through the National Heritage Department, needs to gazette the ceremony as a national heritage first so that it can be documented, preserved and promoted more comprehensively.

“Based on its cultural, historical and authentic values, the miring ceremony is a traditional ritual rich in spiritual meaning, gratitude, respect for nature and prayers for well-being.

“It is still practised today, especially during the Gawai celebration and other traditional ceremonies of the Dayak community,” he said when officiating the Sibu Division Pre Gawai 2026 here last nigvht.

Commenting further on efforts to preserve the Dayak culture, Aaron also praised the recognition of the Ngajat dance as National Heritage in 2007, describing it as proof of the country’s commitment to preserving indigenous cultural traditions.

He also called on all parties to continue playing their role in safeguarding the traditional heritage of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society as a means of strengthening unity among the people.

“With strong unity, our country will continue to enjoy peace and harmony. The cultural heritage we possess not only reflects the history and identity of a community, but also forms the foundation of social harmony in this country,” he said.

The ceremony, held to welcome the upcoming Gawai festival, was jointly organised by Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Sibu, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu and Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA) Sibu. — Bernama