Gawai Dayak: Tiong joins festive celebrations at longhouses in Bintulu
BINTULU (June 3): Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, together with his delegation from the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), celebrated the first day of Gawai Dayak by visiting six longhouses in Kemena and Suai.
The six longhouses visited were Rumah Inggol Ak Ranggong, Rumah Changgai Ak Dali, Rumah Joe Ak Merudi, Rumah Clarence Ak Unjun, Rumah Ngalantar Ak Sengaling and Rumah Tulie Ak Aji.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, described each visit as vibrant with tradition, music and heartfelt hospitality, which made the guests feel like part of the longhouse family.
'Gawai Dayak, while symbolising the harvest, also serves as a heartfelt reunion. Many Dayak individuals working or living in other regions return home to celebrate with family and friends.
'Visitors were treated to traditional delicacies, homemade tuak (rice wine), and langkau (distilled rice spirit), accompanied by the melodious sounds of the sape, a traditional Sarawakian lute that added to the captivating cultural ambiance,' he said.
One of the highlights of the visit was the officiation of the Women's Bureau at Rumah Inggol.
Throughout the journey, he also made time to engage directly with longhouse residents, listening attentively to the challenges they face, including issues related to livelihoods and daily living.
He noted each concern and pledged to follow up on them, urging the community to maintain close contact with his team based in Bintulu for further collaboration and resolution.
'Despite my limited presence in the Bintulu office due to ministry commitments, I remain in constant communication with my officers to stay informed on local developments and issues,' he added.
He emphasised that he would continue coordinating, following up, and making decisions to address concerns as efficiently as possible.
'This year's Gawai celebration was also made more special by the presence of friends from Peninsular Malaysia, especially those of Chinese descent who came to experience Sarawak's unique cultural festivities firsthand.
'It not only deepens understanding and mutual recognition between different regions but also fosters a harmonious coexistence of cultures.
'Additionally, it supports the growth of related sectors such as tourism, which contributes to national prosperity and economic progress,' he said.
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