Latest news with #Dayak
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak: A celebration of unity, hope and cultural pride
Ang expresses pride in the Dayak community's achievements and their significant contributions to Malaysia's development and prosperity. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 31): Gawai Dayak has grown to become a powerful symbol of unity, hope, and aspiration for the Dayak community – the majority ethnic group in Sarawak. Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon, founder of St John Ambulance Sarawak, noted that Gawai was originally celebrated at different times across various longhouses and villages, marking the end of a successful harvest. 'The ethnic Dayak community then decided to celebrate the event on one day; thus, it's celebrated by all as the most important day by all different Dayak groups. 'It is now one of Sarawak's important gazetted holidays,' he said in his Gawai Dayak message. Ang expressed pride in the Dayak community's achievements and their significant contributions to Malaysia's development and prosperity. However, he also reminded the public that the Covid-19 pandemic is 'still far from over.' 'Some global communities have decided 'to live with the virus' after the majority of the people have been fully vaccinated. 'Still, while we are reopening, I am sure that we will still continue to be careful and vigilant,' he said. Ang went on to lament the continued existence of wars, conflicts, and unrest in many parts of what he described as 'an uncertain and unpredictable world'. 'The people suffer untold miseries and sufferings, especially the most vulnerable: the poor, the sick, the children, the seniors and underprivileged. 'All countries should ideally consider devoting their funds, time and energy to make life safer, happier and more bearable for everyone in this rather difficult, troubled and tumultuous world, instead of production of lethal weapons, especially nuclear weapons with the capacity to destroy the human kind,' he said. He added that universal peace and happiness could be achieved if all nations committed to total disarmament. Trillions of dollars currently spent on arms could instead be used to improve living standards across the globe, he added. 'That will be the day to celebrate.' The Universal day of peace Ang also highlighted global inflation and threatening famine caused by geopolitical tensions should be addressed immediately. The much feared climate change and its ill effects on humankind, flora and fauna and the Environment is a monumental issue, he said. 'We see such ill-effects already even within our own country as torrential rains and serious floods seem to be occurring with greater frequency,' he said. Intense forest fires caused by prolonged droughts are affecting nations like the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia, and in the Philippines, typhoons continue to grow in intensity year after year, he said. 'As we celebrate another Gawai festival, let us be reminded again to celebrate in moderation. 'Both humans and Planet Earth must stay healthy for their own sake and that of future generations. 'God bless our people, God bless our country. 'Selamat Ari Gawai, Gayu Guru, Gerai Nyamai! Selamat hari Kaamatan.' culture Gawai Dayak pride unity
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
S'wak pushing for Dayak community progress via free education, rural development
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to enhancing the economic and social standing of the Dayak community through initiatives such as free higher education and the continued development of rural infrastructure. This, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, was in line with the goals outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). He said education remains the most powerful tool to ensure inclusive progress among all communities in Sarawak. "The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is expected to cost the state RM300 million in its first year of implementation next year, benefitting around 10,000 students at four state-owned universities. "I believe this initiative will open doors for many Sarawakian youths, especially those from low-income families and rural areas, to pursue degree-level studies in selected fields," he said in his message ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration tomorrow. Abang Johari said the programme covers full tuition fees and includes an annual living allowance of RM15,000 for students from households earning RM1,500 and below. He also said Sarawak's revenue has surged to RM15 billion in 2024, compared to RM6 billion eight years ago, enabling the state to intensify efforts in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges and coastal highways. He said the construction of bridges across the state reflects the state government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, thereby facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and local industrial goods. Meanwhile, the premier said the Sarawak government was considering a proposal to convert 5,000km of decommissioned logging roads, such as those in the Kapit division, into public roads. "If implemented, this plan would greatly improve rural connectivity with a more structured road system," he said.
Barnama
9 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
S'wak Pushing For Dayak Community Progress Via Free Education, Rural Development
KUCHING, May 31 (Bernama)– The Sarawak government is committed to enhancing the economic and social standing of the Dayak community through initiatives such as free higher education and the continued development of rural infrastructure, in line with the goals outlined in the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said education remains the most powerful tool to ensure inclusive progress among all communities in Sarawak. 'The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is expected to cost the state RM300 million in its first year of implementation next year, benefitting around 10,000 students at four state-owned universities. 'I believe this initiative will open doors for many Sarawakian youths, especially those from low-income families and rural areas, to pursue degree-level studies in selected fields,' he said in his message ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration tomorrow. Abang Johari said the programme covers full tuition fees and includes an annual living allowance of RM15,000 for students from households earning RM1,500 and below. Abang Johari also said that Sarawak's revenue has surged to RM15 billion in 2024, compared to RM6 billion eight years ago, enabling the state to intensify efforts in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges and coastal highways. He said the construction of bridges across the state reflects the GPS-led government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, thereby facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and local industrial goods. Meanwhile, the Premier said that the state government is considering a proposal to convert 5,000 kilometres of decommissioned logging roads, such as those in the Kapit division, into public roads. 'If implemented, this plan would greatly improve rural connectivity with a more structured road system,' he said.
Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Ex-council chief happy to see launch of book on Kapit Peace Keeping Agreement 1924
Lating describes the publication as 'holding a profound significance from the perspectives of Dayak heritage, legacy and continuity'. KAPIT (May 31): Former chairman of Kapit District Council (KDC) Lating Minggang is happy to see book on Kapit Peace Keeping Agreement 1924 being finally published and made available to the public. Lating, who served in the council between 2019 and May this year, described the publication as 'holding a profound significance from the perspectives of Dayak heritage, legacy and continuity'. Documented by the Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) and Tun Jugah Foundation, the book 'Commemorating a Century of Kapit Peacemaking (1924-2024)' details the event on Nov 16, 1924, where a peacemaking ceremony in Kapit signalled an end to the conflicts among the indigenous communities in the rural region. It also commemorated the historic occasion and its 100th anniversary celebration in December last year, in Kapit. Works Minister and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi unveiled the book at a ceremony held in Kuching on Friday. The authors are Dr Regina Garai, Neilson llan Mersat, Peter Mulok Ked, Janet Rata Noel, Stanley Lingoh Gara and Bibiana Motey Senang. Nanta (left) and Tun Jugah Foundation chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah jointly holding the newly-launched book. — Photo via Facebook / Alexander Nanta Linggi In this regard, Lating regarded the Kapit Peace Agreement as not merely 'a cessation of hostilities'. 'It was a conscious decision by Dayak leaders to forge a new path. 'Commemorating it acknowledges their foresight, wisdom and leadership in prioritising peace over prolonged conflict. 'It also highlights a period where traditional systems of governance and conflict resolution (albeit influenced by the Brooke administration) were instrumental in achieving stability,' said Lating. Kapit Peace Keeping Agreement Lating Minggang
Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
TYT's Gawai Dayak message: Preserve heritage, pursue knowledge
Wan Junaidi and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, extend their heartfelt wishes to the Dayak community for a joyful and meaningful Gawai Dayak celebration. KUCHING (May 31): Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the Dayak community to preserve their rich cultural traditions while continuing to prioritise education as a key driver of development, as they return to their villages to celebrate Gawai Dayak. He said Gawai is not merely a harvest festival, but a powerful symbol of unity, gratitude and cultural pride. 'Each year on June 1, the Dayak community gathers to honour the fruits of their labour, strengthen family ties, and pass down traditions that reflect the values of togetherness, mutual respect and harmony,' he said in his Gawai Dayak message today. Recalling the historical significance of Gawai, which was officially recognised as a state celebration in 1965, Wan Junaidi paid tribute to the visionary leaders who championed the recognition of Dayak heritage. 'It is through traditions like 'ngajat', 'ai pengayu', and the communal spirit of 'gotong-royong' that we see the timeless values that continue to define us,' he said. Underscoring the importance of education in navigating the globalised and technologically advanced world, he lauded the Sarawak government's ongoing efforts to improve educational access and infrastructure, especially in rural areas. 'Various initiatives have been implemented to boost literacy rates and academic performance, including early intervention programmes and the establishment of learning guidance centres. 'It is my hope that parents continue to emphasise the importance of education to empower their children to succeed and build a brighter future,' he said. He revealed that over 200 projects to rebuild and upgrade dilapidated schools have been approved under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, reinforcing the state's commitment to equitable access to quality education. Wan Junaidi also acknowledged the vital role of infrastructure in bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas. 'The construction of 16 bridges, alongside the ongoing Pan Borneo Highway and coastal road network, stands as clear proof of the government's commitment to bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas,' he said. He further commended non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for their active role in supporting communities through educational aid, free health campaigns, and initiatives to preserve Dayak arts and customs. 'These partnerships are integral to building a more inclusive and resilient society,' he added. As Sarawakians return to their villages for the festive season, he reminded road users to travel responsibly and to prioritise safety. 'With better and more comfortable road networks such as the Pan Borneo Highway, let us not misuse these facilities as race tracks. 'Safety must come first, better to arrive late than never. 'I also urge all drivers to be courteous and always abide by traffic rules and regulations. Ensure that your vehicles are in good and safe condition, including tyre checks, brake systems, alignment, and steering. 'Before leaving, make sure your homes are securely locked and all electrical supplies are turned off to prevent unwanted incidents,' he said. He also expressed condolences and called for reflection following the recent tragic road accident involving the Federal Reserve Unit (PSP) in Teluk Intan, Perak. 'We must take this as a solemn reminder of the need to uphold safety and responsibility at all times,' he said. Wan Junaidi urged all Sarawakians to protect harmony, strengthen unity, and work together towards a prosperous future. 'Let us celebrate Gawai with joy, moderation and a strong sense of community spirit. ''Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Nguan Menua!' he added. celebratory cultural heritage Gawai Dayak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
