28-04-2025
Deputy Premier: Preparations all set for state Gawai Dayak 2025 do, despite tight deadline
Uggah, flanked by Gerawat (seated, third left) and Sikie, highlights some points during the press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (April 28): The organising committee of the state-level Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the success of this year's event, despite the limited preparation time.
'Time is very short – we have just finished Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and soon it will be Gawai,' said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at a press conference, called after chairing the state-level Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration coordination meeting at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
Uggah said similar to last year's celebration, there were several key dates and events set to take place.
'This year, the Gawai Dayak Bazaar will be held from May 15 to 25, 2025 at the MJC Batu Kawa (Township),' said the Deputy Premier, while also revealing that the 'Gawai Tradisi Carnival' would be taking place at the Federation of Orang Ulu Malaysia (Forum) building in Miri from June 13 to 14.
Meanwhile, the Gawai Dayak Parade is scheduled this June 21, at the Kuching Waterfront, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg attending as the guest-of-honour.
The highlight of the celebration, the Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner, would be staged on June 22, to be hosting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Uggah added: 'A coffee table book themed around Dayak culture and heritage will also be launched in connection with the celebrations.
'The state-level Gawai Dayak 2025 celebrations are aimed at strengthening unity among the various communities and showcasing Sarawak's rich cultural heritage.'
Also present at yesterday's meeting were Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Gerawat Gala, also the organising committee chairman for this year's event, along with Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai. douglas uggah embas festive celebrations Gawai Dayak 2025
