SIBU, 25 May 2026 (The Capital Post) — The traditional Miring ceremony has strong potential to be recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage at the national level and eventually considered for UNESCO recognition, said National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang during the Malam Mantar Gawai Dayak Sibu Division 2026 celebration here.
In his speech, Aaron Ago Dagang said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through the Department of National Heritage, should first gazette the ceremony as a National Heritage element to ensure it can be properly documented, preserved and promoted more comprehensively.
The Miring ceremony remains one of the most significant cultural elements within the Dayak community and continues to be practised today, particularly during the Gawai Dayak celebration.
The ritual carries deep spiritual values, expressions of gratitude, respect for nature and prayers for well-being according to Dayak beliefs.
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Aaron also highlighted that preservation efforts for Dayak culture have already achieved success, noting that the Ngajat dance was recognised as a National Heritage in 2007, reflecting the government’s continued commitment to elevating indigenous cultural traditions as part of Malaysia’s national identity.
The information was shared via the official Facebook page of Kementerian Perpaduan Negara. – The Capital Post
