PAPAR: July 27, 2026 – The cultural heritage of Siung Papar weaving must be preserved, as it remains a defining hallmark of local identity.
That was the message from Limbahau assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Siung Papar Weaving Workshop, held at the PNBT Mini Hall on Sunday.
“The Sabah government will continue to support initiatives that elevate cultural heritage through appropriate aid and allocations, while also encouraging community participation in economic development based on handicrafts and cultural tourism,” he said.
Meanwhile, Peter Jack, representing the Sabah Forestry Department, said the department is responsible not only for conserving timber resources but also for managing and preserving non-timber forest products such as bamboo, rattan, and hoputung.
“These resources must be managed sustainably to guarantee a supply of raw materials for traditional crafts in the future,” he added.
The organising chairperson, Dorothy Doris Tiansun, expressed hope that a Siung Papar Weaving Craft Centre could be established to serve as a hub for training, documentation, production and marketing – ultimately boosting the income of the local community.
A total of ten women from across the Papar district took part in the eight-day Siung Papar Weaving Workshop, in an effort to preserve and strengthen the traditional art form, which is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Kadazan Papar community.
The ceremony also saw the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the organisers, rangers and trainers, followed by participation certificates for all attendees and special awards for the best participants.
Throughout the workshop, participants were guided by experienced trainer Margaret Kiat from Kampung Sabandil, Papar, who shared her expertise in bamboo selection, material preparation and the specific weaving techniques used in Siung Papar.
The workshop was organised by the Papar Community Care Society (PaparCare4U), in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department and Pohumpung Nature Breeze Trail (PNBT).
