Dayaks urged to celebrate Gawai with gratitude, not excessive spending
The 'Pekit Kumang' winners pose for a group photo alongside members of the organising committee.- Ukas photo
BINTULU (May 25): The Dayak community should celebrate the upcoming Gawai Dayak festival with gratitude and simplicity, avoiding excessive spending that could become a financial burden, said Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai.
Speaking when officiating at the Bintulu Division-level Pre-Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration at a local restaurant yesterday, Sikie emphasised the importance of financial stability after the holidays, especially for families with school-going children or university students who will need funds for education expenses.
'I understand that celebrating Gawai is a joyous occasion for everyone involved. However, I strongly encourage a modest celebration, especially for those with school-going children or those in university who will need funds for education expenses after the Gawai break,' he was quoted as saying in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report.
Sikie, who is Kakus assemblyman, also encouraged the community to use the festive season as an opportunity to reunite with relatives and friends, particularly those living in urban areas.
'After this Pre-Gawai celebration, many will return to their longhouses to celebrate Gawai Dayak properly in their hometowns,' he added.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of unity and future planning among the Dayak community, especially those returning to their longhouses during Gawai.
'For those living in towns like Bintulu, this is the time to reconnect with family. I urge everyone, whether returning home or staying in the longhouse, to come together and plan for their community's development,' he said.
The event was jointly organised by four major associations namely the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia), Orang Ulu National Association (Ouna), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), and Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS).
To show appreciation for the organisers' efforts, Sikie announced a RM30,000 contribution to the organising committee.
Additionally, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Dato Majang Renggi also contributed RM20,000.
The event was further enlivened by the 'Pekit Kumang' contest in conjunction with Pre-Gawai Dayak 2025.
Delfina Damun Kiran was crowned 'Kumang', taking home RM3,000 along with a crown, a sash, a trophy, finger flowers, and a participation certificate.
Second place ('Lulong') went to Amyder Mikey Drake, who received RM2,500, while Zeona Deour Jacob came in third ('Selinggar Matahari') receiving RM2,000, along with other prizes. Dayak community Gawai Dayak John Sikie Tayai lead
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Borneo Post
Brarak, Bipajak Gawai Bisegu proposed for Sarawak Tourism Calendar
Dr Jerip (third left) greeting attendees at the Brarak and Bipajak Gawai Bisegu 2025 celebration held at Kampung Segu Bunuk, Padawan. – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 3): The Brarak and Bipajak Gawai Bisegu cultural event has been proposed for inclusion in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar, with the aim of elevating it into one of the state's premier cultural tourism attractions. Deputy Minister for Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, made the announcement during the event held at Kampung Segu Benuk in Padawan on Monday, highlighting the festival's strong potential as a community-driven tourism initiative. 'Last year, the parade featured only six contingents. This year, the number has increased to 21, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 participants, a clear indication of its growing appeal,' he said, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas). Dr Jerip said the event, organised by the Segu Bunuk Association, will continue to be refined and expanded based on community participation and public response. 'With the involvement of 21 contingents this year, we are confident the festival will continue to grow, offering even more vibrant and engaging activities in the years to come,' he added. The Mambong assemblyman also underscored the importance of such cultural events in promoting Sarawak's heritage to tourists, positioning them (the cultural events) as competitive cultural tourism products. 'These celebrations provide an important platform for local communities to express their identity, particularly through traditional attire and a shared sense of cultural pride,' he noted. Among those present at the event were Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin; Special Administrative Officer of the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), Datu Ik Pahon Joyik; Administrative Officer of the Padawan Sub-District Office, Julius Scott Sapong and other distinguished guests.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
Youth trio strive to keep the Orang Ulu's sape legacy alive
KUCHING: At the entrance of the Gawai Dayak 2025 open house, the delicate, resonant notes of the sape, a traditional lute-like string instrument of the Orang Ulu people, floated through the air. Yet it wasn't veteran hands behind the strings. It was three young musicians, determined to carry their ancestral culture into the future. Dressed in attire inspired by their Indigenous roots, the trio, members of the Kuching-based Anak Seni Sape Kuching Association (PUSAK), drew a steady crowd with their spirited performance of Det Diet Tapong Kitan, a traditional piece often played to welcome guests and accompany warrior dances such as Datun Julud or Ajai. 'I started learning the sape at 15 after being inspired by my cousin,' said Dexter Wong Kian Hao, 22, of Kayan-Chinese heritage. 'This song is deeply rooted in our culture. We don't want it to fade away.' For Martinus Njok Sebi, 23, of Kenyah-Iban descent, the sape is more than just music, it's identity. Having joined PUSAK in 2021, Martinus has performed regularly at cultural events across Sarawak. Now in his final year at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, he hopes others his age will continue the tradition. 'As a sape player, I want to see more young people learning and passing on this tradition,' he said. The group's youngest member, 19-year-old Mohd Ikhmal Hakim from Belaga, began playing at age 10, having discovered it through social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Of mixed Malay, Iban and Sekapan heritage, Ikhmal now studies Early Childhood Education and shares his sape playing on TikTok to help spark wider interest. 'Social media has made it easier for people to discover the sape. I see more and more young people getting interested,' he said. The Gawai Dayak Open House, hosted by Orang Ulu leaders, drew around 3,000 visitors from across Sarawak's diverse communities. The event, which ran from 9 am to 2 pm, featured traditional performances and high-profile guests, including Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. Also in attendance were the Premier of Sarawak Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, alongside members of the federal and state cabinets.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Borneo Post
Pelagus rep: Gawai is more than tradition – it's togetherness
Wilson Nyabong Ijang KAPIT (June 1): Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang has described Gawai Dayak as more than just a festival, calling it the very heartbeat of the Dayak identity. He said what began as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and a prayer for future prosperity has, over the years, grown into something far deeper. 'Gawai has become a time to return home, to reconnect, and to honour our roots. 'Today, Gawai is not just about tradition, it is about togetherness. It is about laughter echoing in the longhouse, the warmth of a shared meal and the joy of simply being with family and friends. It is in these moments that we remember what truly matters', he said. To those unable to return home this year, he offered words of comfort. 'Whether near or far, know that you are still part of the celebration,' he added. In this digital age, he said a phone call or video chat can carry love across rivers and mountains. What matters most is the thought, the connection, and the spirit of Gawai. Nyabong also reminded those travelling back to their kampung or longhouse to drive safely. 'Your presence is what makes the celebration whole and arriving safely at your destination is the greatest gift you can give your family. 'As we celebrate, let us continue to honour and preserve the rich culture and traditions that make Gawai so special. 'Let the beating of the tawak, the weaving of the pua kumbu and the warmth of our hospitality live on for generations to come,' he said. He ended his message with festive cheer: 'Selamat Hari Gawai Dayak to everyone. Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Celap Lindap Nguan Menua. Oooohaaa!' Gawai Dayak lead pelagus wilson nyabong ijang
