Latest news with #GawaiDayak
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
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Road safety must be daily, not just festive seasons, says S'wak Transport Minister
Lee puts on a safety helmet on a rider during the road safety campaign, while Ariffin (to his left) and the others look on. MIRI (May 31): Road safety must be embraced as a daily responsibility, not just during festive seasons, and every life saved is the result of a collective effort, said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. While the government continues to improve infrastructure and run awareness campaigns, the real impact depends on the commitment and responsibility of all road users, he said. Lee, also the Senadin assemblyman made the remarks during a road safety campaign held in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration at Permy Mall here today. As part of the campaign, regulated helmets, safety vests, and reflective straps, sponsored by Sarawak Petroleum Berhad (Petros), were distributed to riders and drivers to encourage safer road practices. Citing statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police, Lee said Miri recorded 1,120 road accident cases from January to April this year, marking a reduction of 48 cases or 4.1 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. 'Fatal accidents dropped from 19 to 14, while serious and minor injury cases also decreased,' he said, urging motorists to remain alert, especially along Miri's top five accident-prone roads – Jalan Pan Borneo, Jalan Miri–Bintulu (near Borneo Medical Centre), Jalan Miri Bypass, Jalan Miri–Pujut, and Jalan Kuala Baram Bypass. 'Every accident is a tragedy, whether it involves the loss of life or damage to property,' he stressed. On a related note, he encouraged eligible secondary school students to sign up for the MyLesen programme, which offers affordable and legal motorcycle licences. 'We want the younger generation to be safety-conscious from an early age,' he said, adding that the programme eases the financial burden on families while ensuring youths receive proper training and education before getting on the road. Lee also extended his Gawai greetings to all Sarawakians, calling on the public to make road safety part of their daily habits. Also in attendance were Miri deputy mayor Ariffin Mohamad, and Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah. Gawai Lee Kim Shin miri road safety
Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- General
- Malay Mail
‘More than a harvest festival': In Gawai message, Wan Junaidi calls on Sarawakians to honour heritage and prioritise education
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. — The Borneo Post
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sarawak governer urges vigilance on roads after deadly FRU crash
KUCHING: The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the public to take heed of the recent road tragedy that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers, urging greater vigilance and responsibility during festive travel. In a message marking the 2025 Gawai Dayak celebrations, he said such tragedies should serve as a wake-up call on the importance of adhering to safety measures and driving responsibly. "As we celebrate Gawai Dayak with joy, I urge all Sarawakians to be cautious and prioritise safety on the roads, especially when returning to their hometowns," he said today. With improved infrastructure, including the Pan Borneo Highway, easing travel across the region, Wan Junaidi warned against turning such routes into 'racing circuits', stressing that 'it is better to arrive late than never'. Turning to broader development, Wan Junaidi reaffirmed the state's commitment to narrowing the urban-rural divide, citing significant infrastructure upgrades under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). These include the rebuilding of more than 200 dilapidated schools and the construction of 16 bridges, along with the ongoing expansion of the Pan Borneo Highway and coastal road networks. "These efforts are not just about better connectivity, but also about improving quality of life in rural areas, from road access and clean water to telecommunications," he said. Wan Junaidi also highlighted the state's focus on education, noting various initiatives to boost literacy and academic achievement, including early intervention programmes and the establishment of community-based learning centres. He urged parents to prioritise their children's education, describing it as 'key to a brighter future'. Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Gawai Dayak, officially celebrated since 1965, Wan Junaidi said the festival is more than just a harvest celebration. He said it embodies unity, harmony and mutual respect among Sarawak's diverse communities, values that must be preserved and strengthened. — BERNAMA
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Sarawak Governor urges vigilance on roads after deadly FRU crash
KUCHING: The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the public to take heed of the recent road tragedy that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers, urging greater vigilance and responsibility during festive travel. In a message marking the 2025 Gawai Dayak celebrations, he said such tragedies should serve as a wake-up call on the importance of adhering to safety measures and driving responsibly. 'As we celebrate Gawai Dayak with joy, I urge all Sarawakians to be cautious and prioritise safety on the roads, especially when returning to their hometowns,' he said today. With improved infrastructure, including the Pan Borneo Highway, easing travel across the region, Wan Junaidi warned against turning such routes into 'racing circuits', stressing that 'it is better to arrive late than never'. Turning to broader development, Wan Junaidi reaffirmed the state's commitment to narrowing the urban-rural divide, citing significant infrastructure upgrades under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). These include the rebuilding of more than 200 dilapidated schools and the construction of 16 bridges, along with the ongoing expansion of the Pan Borneo Highway and coastal road networks. 'These efforts are not just about better connectivity, but also about improving quality of life in rural areas, from road access and clean water to telecommunications,' he said. Wan Junaidi also highlighted the state's focus on education, noting various initiatives to boost literacy and academic achievement, including early intervention programmes and the establishment of community-based learning centres. He urged parents to prioritise their children's education, describing it as 'key to a brighter future'. Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Gawai Dayak, officially celebrated since 1965, Wan Junaidi said the festival is more than just a harvest celebration. He said it embodies unity, harmony and mutual respect among Sarawak's diverse communities, values that must be preserved and strengthened.
