KUCHING (March 12): The Iban martial art Kuntau should be passed down to the younger generation as part of efforts to preserve the community’s heritage, said Datuk Snowdan Lawan.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said apart from self-defence, Kuntau promotes a healthy and active lifestyle among its practitioners.

“Thus, it should be safeguarded and disseminated to our younger generation. As part of our heritage, we must take pride in it,” he said in a statement yesterday.

At the same time, he cautioned Kuntau practitioners against using their skills to inflict harm on others.

“Do not use what you have learned to injure, pick a fight, or take revenge on someone,” he said.

Last Saturday, Snowdan officiated at the closing of Iban Kuntau classes organised by the Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association (Sikar) at the Siol Kandis multipurpose hall here.

The event saw 44 participants aged from nine to 47 years deliver team and individual displays of their Kuntau skills.

Snowdan also announced a minor rural project allocation for Sikar to finance their activities.

Among those present were Sikar president Basil Laman and Siol Kandis village head Ganie Ujai.