MIRI: Raban Ngepan Iban (RNI) Association has continued to contribute towards the Iban community in Sarawak in preserving the heritage through the state level Keling Kumang competition 2022.
The purpose of organising the competition is to relive the historical heritage such as traditional costume, customs and belief alongside traditional dance besides empowering the Iban language and maintaining the culture of the ethnicity in Sarawak
Its chairman, Steven Abas Patrick Agus said that as many as 24 participants are taking part in this year’s competition with 11 female participants vying for the Kumang title while the other 13 male participants will be compete for the title of Keling RNI 2022.
“The contestant will undergo audition through the heritage, arts, skills known as Pekit Pengelandik Main Adat Asal Iban that will be held at Bintang Megamall here on Nov 12, and participants from various districts such as Julau, Marudi, Niah, Limbang, Selangau, Lubok Antu, Kanowit, Bintulu, Sri Aman, Sibu, Kapit and Miri,” he said.
He added that the Pekit Keling Kumang RNI 2022 finale will be held on Nov 26 at Dinner World Restaurant in Bintulu.
“I’m thankful that this year, the competition can be held physically, however the contest involving members of the public still goes on, in which the contestant needs to prepare his or her introduction video that will be shared on our official Facebook page Persatuan Raban Ngepan Iban.
“Contestant who have the most likes and share will be hailed as Bujang dan Dara Dikerindu or fan favourite,” he added.
With its theme ‘glamorous kumbu’ and slogan ‘Adat Menyatukan Bangsa’, it is expected that 1,500 people will be attending the final night including invited dignitaries.
