On Thursday (May 27th), anger broke out on Twitter after a video of an influencer went viral.
The one-minute video showed influencer, DurianKimchi or his real name, Ryzal Ibrahim, in a dressing room with his wife Maryam, who was wearing a traditional Iban attire while getting her hair and makeup done.
Photo via BERNAMA
Ryzal’s jokes about the accessories and materials of the outfit were perceived by many to be insulting towards the Iban community.
In the video he could be heard saying, “People usually keep spare coins in their pockets, not here,” he said while pointing at a belt that Maryam was wearing.
He then continued to compare the beaded collar, known as marik empang, to a tablecloth and TV mat from the 1970s. He also said that the kain kebat, or ceremonial skirt, looked like unwashed “rags”.
The 28-year-old influencer has since apologised on his Instagram post for the comments he made and said that he felt “regretful” over the incident.
According to Malay Mail, the Dayak Traditional Arts and Culture Club (Kemada) has lodged a police report at the Lanang Police Station against the influencer for ridiculing the traditional dress of Iban women.
The report was lodged by the chairman of the club, Jackery Hillary Chukan, who was accompanied by five other members, all of whom wore traditional Iban warrior’s costumes.
“Such comments insult the traditional costumes of the Iban. We cannot accept his apology which was uploaded on his social media,” he said.
Kena 27.05.2021 Kelab Kesenian dan Kebudayaan Dayak (KeMADA) bsi udah ngaga repot polis ba senentang orang k bsi dtemu...
Posted by Kesenian dan kebudayaan dayak sibu-KEMADA on Wednesday, May 26, 2021
The club also wants Ryzal to make an open media statement saying that he was tendering his apology for insulting and ridiculing a traditional costume of the Iban community.
Ryzal’s action resulted in condemnation by netizens who regarded him as being insensitive and not respectful of the Iban community.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
