Aaron (third left), Tuai Rumah Ron (second left) with KGS members on his arrival at Nanga Ngungun.
KANOWIT: Sarawak Gagong Club (KGS) has big potential to go on tour overseas to promote the Iban warriors traditional costume and Sarawak culture.
However, accessories of the costumes may ruffle some feathers because some of them are from illegal source, Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said.
“For example, under our Wild Life Protection Ordinance, hornbills are protected species but we can see its horn and feathers used to decorate the headgear.
“It involves our culture and tradition but it is better if KGS apply for permit from the relevant authority to keep the protected animals parts.
“They can go anywhere to England, Japan, Korea with their gagong without worries if they have permit,” he said when officiating at a ‘Ngiling Bidai’ ceremony held at Rumah Ron Ugai in Nanga Ngungun, Sungai Ngemah, here on Sunday.
The function was jointly organised by Kanowit Information Department, Special Affairs Department (Jasa), Kanowit police and Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) of Rumah Ron Ugai.
Present were KGS chairman Jabang Juntan, Kanowit Information Department head Donny Minggu, Jasa Kanowit parliamentary coordinator Priscilina Petrus Igat and Pemanca Spencer Kudang.
Aaron said he was told by Jabang that KGS had written a letter to the relevant authority on the matter of animal parts but met with no reply so far.
He also commended KGS for reviving ‘gagong’ which is the traditional culture of Iban men in the past.
“Many Ibans have embraced Christianity or other religions and it is a good thing that there are those like KGS members who still want to preserve the old tradition of the community,” he said.
In his speech, Jabang said they will appoint Aaron as their advisor. So far KGS has 71 members statewide, he said.
Besides Aaron, other notable members of KGS are First Infantry Division commander Major-General Datuk Stephen Mundaw and Assistant Minister of Agriculture Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.