The behaviour of a local influencer who made fun of Iban culture shouldn't be normalised, said Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, in a series of tweets, called out Instagram influencer Ryzal Ibrahim of Durian Kimchi fame on a recent video he posted about the traditional Ngepan Iban attire.
Ryzal, whose real name is Muhammad Ryzal Nik Ibrahim, had called the clothing "kain buruk" (dirty rag) in a recent Instagram Stories clip.
"My maternal grandmother is an Iban from Kapit. I remember seeing her in her Ngepan Iban for the first time and I was really amazed by how she carried herself with grace," she said on her official Twitter.
"Malaysia is blessed with its beautiful cultures from multiple ethnics. This behaviour must not be normalised.
"Instead we should all celebrate and embrace our different cultures. That is what makes us unique, that is what makes us Malaysians," she added.
In the Instagram Stories clip, Ryzal had made fun of the traditional Iban attire that was worn by his South Korean wife, Maryam You Narae.
Ryzal likened the accessories on the attire to tablecloth and curtains. The video has since been removed and Ryzal has apologised for his actions.
Netizens who saw his post, however, had voiced their anger on social media.
"Rude gila. Iban people didn't make that beautiful piece of traditional clothing for you to call it kain buruk. It's literally not that hard to respect each other's culture," said Instagram user @peaxhy_vibes06.
The Ngepan Iban is generally worn for special occasions such as Gawai, ceremonies, rituals and dances.
My maternal grandmother is an Iban from Kapit. I remember seeing her in her Ngepan Iban for the first time and i was really amazed by how she carried herself with grace. Malaysia is blessed with its beautiful cultures from multiple ethnics. This behavior must not be normalised. https://t.co/d76TBYiiIU — Nancy Shukri
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