Latest news with #Gawai
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Embrace culture, explore digital economy, Orang Ulu told
Kijan (seventh left) with Angellie on her right and others roll a mat during the dinner's opening ceremony to mark the closing of Gawai Dayak. MIRI (July 30): The Orang Ulu community must remain united and proactive in preserving their cultural identity, while also tapping into the economic potential of their heritage, said Datuk Dennis Ngau. In a speech for a Ngiling Bidai (closing of Gawai Dayak) dinner hosted by Persatuan Wanita Orang Ulu Miri (PWOUM) here on Sunday, the Telang Usan assemblyman praised the association's role in championing the community's traditions and empowering women. 'As a small community in Sarawak, unity is crucial for us Orang Ulu. When we speak with one voice, we are stronger and cannot be easily side-lined,' he said. The text of his speech was delivered by Angellie Stephen Raja, a political secretary to the Premier. Dennis commended PWOUM's efforts under the leadership of chairlady Kijan Toynbee, describing the association as a symbol of solidarity among the various Orang Ulu ethnic groups in Miri. He added that cultural preservation should not only be seen as a responsibility, but also as an avenue for growth. 'Culture is not just our identity – it can also be a source of income. With digital platforms like TikTok and Shopee, we can showcase our traditions to the world while earning from them,' he said, while encouraging women to explore new skills and online business opportunities. Meanwhile, Kijan expressed her gratitude to Dennis for his consistent support of the Orang Ulu community, noting that he serves his constituency with inclusivity and fairness. 'He is not just the wakil rakyat (elected representative) for one community, he is the wakil rakyat for all. That is the mark of a true leader,' she said, urging members to continue rallying behind Dennis to bring more progress to the community. Kijan also said the Ngiling Bidai celebration was not only a tradition to mark the closing of the Gawai season but also a moment for thanksgiving, reflection, and unity. 'It reminds us how far we have come together as a community. It's a chance to give thanks for peace, harmony, and the opportunities we enjoy today.' She commended the hardworking women of PWOUM and the organising committee for the successful event, and urged everyone to continue working hand-in-hand to preserve culture, empower women, and uplift the community. 'Let walk together – for our culture, our women, our youth, and our future,' she said. The dinner was attended by PWOUM members and guests from various ethnic backgrounds, and featured cultural performances and fellowship. Also present were Dennis' wife Datin Debbie Irang and Miri Port Authority general manager Serawa Budol. cultural identity Dennis Ngau miri Orang Ulu
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Batang Lupar 1 Bridge 84 pct complete, set to open by Gawai 2026, says Uggah
Uggah (left) being briefed by Cassidy during the working visit to the bridge project site. — Ukas photo KUCHING (July 30): The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge has reached 84 per cent completion and is expected to be operational by the Gawai celebration in 2026, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He said despite technical challenges, including an issue at pier number 52, the contractor had assured the matter would be resolved soon. 'We discussed about the bridge being usable by Gawai 2026. We hope all outstanding issues will be resolved and we will continue to visit and monitor the progress of this project,' he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report after a working visit to the project site in Sebuyau today. According to the report, the 4.8km bridge forms part of the Sarawak government's ongoing effort to strengthen coastal road connectivity and will fully replace the long-standing ferry service between Sebuyau and Triso. The RM848.7 million project began construction on Jan 7, 2021, and is one of 16 major bridge projects currently underway across Sarawak. Uggah, who is also the State Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, said the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak is actively on the ground to assess and discuss any arising issues. 'Our aim is to minimise the number of delayed or problematic projects in the state,' he said. He also revealed another major bridge project has commenced at Miri Marina, with a total cost of RM6.53 billion. 'The government's aspiration is for all these investments to have a direct impact on the state's economic growth through improved infrastructure,' he said. Earlier, Uggah was briefed on the project status by JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris, along with the technical leadership from Perbena Emas and the Sebuyau District Office. Also present were Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang and Sebuyau District Officer Ayurad Iman Bujang. Batang Lupar 1 bridge completion Douglas Uggah
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Petronas' Gawai initiative aligns with PCDS 2030 goals, says Sagah
Sagah presents a goodie bag to a wheelchair-bound recipient while Norazibah (right) looks on. – Photo by Galileo Petingi SERIAN (July 11): Initiatives by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) through its social impact arm Yayasan Petronas are exemplary in fostering a more inclusive, sustainable, and harmonious society, said Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. He said social inclusion is a core component of Sarawak's Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to ensure economic benefits reach all levels of society, particularly the B40 group and rural communities. 'The 'Petronas Memacu Kehidupan Gawai 2025' programme today aligns with the objectives of PCDS 2030. 'Organised in partnership between Petronas and the Welfare Department (JKM) Serian Division, the programme reached out to 150 recipients through the distribution of essential food baskets in the Serian district. 'These contributions not only alleviated the burden during the festive season but also brought joy to families celebrating Gawai Dayak,' he said when officiating the programme at Kampung Tarat Melawi here today. Each food basket contained cooking oil, glutinous rice, canned goods, condiments, and locally-produced coffee. Petronas Sarawak general manager Norazibah Md Rabu handed over the festive contributions to Serian Division Social Welfare officer Robert Jullong Bengat during the programme. In her speech, Norazibah said the initiative reaffirms Yayasan Petronas' commitment to uplifting marginalised communities. She said the programme was part of Petronas' Community Well-being and Development initiative, aimed at spreading festive joy. 'We believe that everyone deserves happiness, especially when celebrating meaningful occasions such as Gawai,' she said. A total of 750 families across Sarawak have been selected to receive the contributions this Gawai, including 400 households in Miri and Bintulu, she noted. 'It is our hope that these contributions not only lessen the burden of those in need but also kindle the festive spirit of Gawai – filled with gratitude, love and joy,' she said. Gawai pcds 2030 Petronas Roland Sagah Serian social welfare
Borneo Post
06-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Scout's Gawai Dayak 2025 bash a celebration of culture, unity
Miro (second left) and Zainuddin (right) present the Sarawak Scout Council President's Medals to Helearn Wilfred and Rattis Kolidan Koliew, respectively, for their bravery in saving the lives of two boys from drowning in Lundu 25 years ago. Looking on is Lim. KUCHING (July 7): The Sarawak Scout Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration ended on a high note on Saturday night with a vibrant display of culture, unity, and camaraderie. Organised by the Sarawak Scout Council and Bau District Scout Council, the event featured colourful cultural performances by the members and was attended by the Scout leaders from various districts, turning the celebration into a meaningful gathering that reflected the diversity and strength of the scouting movement in Sarawak. Officiating at the closing ceremony was Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh, who represented advisor in the Sarawak Premier's Office and Sarawak Scout Council president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom. In his remarks, Miro hailed the celebration as not only a harvest festival observed by the Dayak community, but also a valuable platform to foster unity among Scouts of various backgrounds as well as members of the community. 'I am very proud to be invited to attend and officiate at this event, which not only celebrates the harvest festival but also showcases the strength and diversity of the Scout movement in our state,' he said. According to Miro, Scouts play an important role in developing a disciplined, competitive, and patriotic younger generation, also pointing outs that values such as brotherhood, unity, and service are crucial to the future of the country. 'Scouts need assistance in all aspects such as training, logistics, guidance and opportunities to serve and grow. 'Therefore, I would like to announce a contribution of RM10,000 to the Bau District Scout Council to support these noble efforts,' he said. Miro also called on Scout members and Sarawakians alike to carry forward the spirit of Gawai as a symbol of community strength, unity, and cultural heritage. The celebration concluded with the symbolic rolling-up of the 'kasah' (rattan mat) by the invited guests, marking the end of Gawai festivities. Also present were Sarawak Scout chief commissioner John Lim Boon Beng, honorary commissioner Capt Zainuddin Hamdan, Sarawak Scout Council vice-president Mohadi Mobin, Bau District Scout commissioner Nelyson Kinot, and Sarawak Scout Foundation chairman Arthur Lee Cheng Chuan. Dayak community Miro Simuh Sarawak Scout Gawai Dayak
Daily Express
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Kaamatan, Gawai fests strengthen Bornean ties
Published on: Tuesday, July 01, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 01, 2025 Text Size: Dr Joachim representing Hajiji at the event. PENAMPANG: The Kaamatan and Gawai festivals serve as more than just symbols of gratitude for the harvest season. They are also platforms to strengthen the bond between Sabah and Sarawak as fellow Bornean states, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Speaking at the Kaamatan-Gawai Gala Dinner 2025 at the ITCC's Grand Ballroom last Saturday, Hajiji said the close relationship between both states must be preserved as the foundation for fostering unity and harmony among the multi-racial communities in East Malaysia. 'Sabah and Sarawak do not just share borders, but also the Bornean identity that is rich with culture, customs and traditions. We must strengthen this relationship for our mutual progress and prosperity,' he said. His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II cum State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. Hajiji noted that the celebration of Kaamatan-Gawai symbolises consensus and appreciation for ancestral heritage, while strengthening the spirit of goodwill among the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Rungus, Iban, Bidayuh, Dayak and other indigenous communities. He said the cultural diversity of various ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak has become a tourism attraction capable of introducing local heritage wealth to the international level. 'Such celebrations can be held because of the peace and harmony we enjoy. Malaysians should be grateful to live in a country that prioritises racial unity and stability,' he said. He said unity and tolerance between races and religions remain the country's main strength, which is difficult to find in other nations today. 'Racial unity must be enhanced so that future generations understand that Malaysia is a country for all citizens regardless of background,' he added. Hajiji welcomed closer cooperation with the Sarawak government in various fields including economics, education, investment and cultural exchange, particularly involving youth participation. He said the State Government is also committed to empowering rural communities, protecting customary land and expanding access to education and digital services to ensure no citizen is left behind in the development stream. 'Every Sabahan deserves fair opportunities for mutual prosperity,' he said. He expressed appreciation to all parties who made the event successful, including artists, community leaders and volunteers who continue to keep alive the spirit of Bornean culture. 'May this celebration foster love, harmony and unite us for a brighter future,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
