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Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak celebration in Miri highlights legacy, global identity
Penguang strikes the gong to mark the start of the Gawai Dayak 2025 event in Miri. MIRI (May 25): The Gawai Dayak celebration should serve as a platform to promote Dayak culture and identity to the global stage, said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil. He also urged the Dayak community to take pride in their heritage and to uphold the Gawai celebration as a symbol of strength, continuity, and collective identity, and not merely as a festive occasion. 'Gawai holds a profound meaning. It is about more than celebration – it is about honouring the legacy of pioneers and leaders who paved the way. 'As your leader, and more importantly as someone who speaks for our community, I must remind this – if we do not speak for ourselves, who else will?' said the Marudi assemblyman his speech at the division-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner in Meritz Hotel here on Saturday. He represented National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang at the event. Adding on, Penguang also emphasised the importance of recognising the Dayak community as part of a global society that valued diversity and mutual respect. 'What we preserve today will not only be remembered by us, but by the future generations and other communities around the world. 'You, the Dayak people, must be proud ambassadors of the rich legacy we carry as a community.' Penguang also stressed the need for cultural preservation, encouraging the Dayaks to celebrate their traditions with pride – without fear of judgment. 'Do not feel ashamed. Gawai is the time to showcase who we are – our identity, our food, our dances, and our values. 'It is not merely about drinking or feasting, but about unity, dignity, and cultural pride.' He addressed the criticisms againts of cultural showcases like the 'Kumang' and 'Keling' (Princess and Warrior) pageants, stating that these traditions were not superficial displays, but important expressions of heritage and identity. 'Some say that the 'Kumang and Keling' competitions are merely about appearance and showcasing traditional clothing, but I disagree with that view. 'It's not about showing off. It's about respecting our traditions and giving them the dignity they deserve. 'We must fulfil our responsibilities as citizens and as part of a united, multiracial Sarawak. We must stand firm, united, and unshaken,' he stressed. Organised by the Miri Division Gawai Celebration Committee and hosted by the Miri Dayak Association (DAM), the event also had Penguang announcing allocations totalling RM105,000, with contributions from various leaders including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who pledged RM30,000, and himself with RM15,000; Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin (RM15,000); Aaron (RM10,000); Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Gerawat Gala (RM10,000), Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting (RM10,000); Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau (RM10,000); and Datuk Dr Nuing Jeluing (RM5,000). The evening featured cultural performances from the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities, with highlights including the Kumang, Dayung Sagon and Keligit Orang Ulu contests, as well as Keling and Belawan competitions for Gawai 2025. community Gawai Dayak lead Penguang Manggil
Borneo Post
03-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Over 800 join Miri's 20th Anniversary Car-Free Day 2025
Yii breaks a wooden board during the Taekwando martial arts demonstration at the event. MIRI (May 3) : More than 800 individuals came together to take part in the Miri 20th Anniversary Car-Free Day 2025 this morning, making the event a resounding success. Miri Mayor Adam Yii, who officiated the event at Miri City Hall, expressed gratitude for the strong turnout from members of the public, government agencies, NGOs, schools, and educational institutions. 'Today, we witnessed an overwhelming turnout. This event is not just a milestone in Miri's history, but also reflects our ongoing commitment to Sarawak's long-term development goals, particularly in environmental sustainability, health, and community cohesion,' said Yii. This year's edition featured a new 4.4-kilometre route that began at City Hall and continued through Jalan Bandaraya to Jalan Marina Utama. The expanded, scenic route was designed to encourage more engagement and underscore the importance of reducing carbon emissions. Yii highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS), contributing to Sarawak's transition to a low-carbon economy and improved quality of life for residents. In his address, he also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak as well as the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia for providing funding as well as endorsing and facilitating the initiative under the Local Agenda 21 (LA21) 2025. 'Your guidance and support have been integral in helping us design programmes that are aligned with both local and national sustainability goals,' said Yii. He added that the programme not only encourage physical fitness but also create an environment where everyone can come together as a community to support the shared vision of Sarawak – 'Building a Sustainable, Inclusive, and High-Income Society'. 'Together, we are moving closer to realising Sarawak's ambitious goals under PCDS, ensuring a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for all of us,' he pointed out. Meanwhile, among activities held during the Miri 20th Anniversary Car-Free Day 2025 were a Fun Run, Zumba workout, walking, bicycle riding, sports demonstrations and community games. Also present at the function were Deputy Miri Mayor Ariffin Mohamad and local councillors. adam yii community lead Miri Car Free Day
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
First-ever Mr Sarawak Douglas Jerukan champion passes away
Photo from the family album of Douglas (centre), flanked by Catherine and Desmond, taken after he was presented with the ABS state award in 2011. KUCHING (May 2): Douglas Jerukan @ Jarukan Kanyan, the first-ever winner of Mr Sarawak bodybuilding championship, passed away on Thursday (May 1) at Sibu Hospital. He was 87 years old. According to the eldest son Desmond Jerukan, his father was admitted to the Emergency Unit on April 14. 'The cause of death was sepsis and multiple organ failures. 'My father's official date of birth was recorded as Dec 31, 1939, but there's a story behind this. 'The administrators at the time did not have the exact date, so they used the end of month for the year. Dad could have been older,' said Desmond, who is deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak. Douglas obtained primary school education in Bawang Assan in Sibu, and secondary school education at Batu Lintang in Kuching. After that, the Iban youth obtained a Colombo Plan Scholarship (1958-1961), and went to Christchurch Technical College and Canterbury Teachers College in New Zealand in 1958, and graduated as a trade instructor in 1961. It was during this college time that Douglas entered bodybuilding. He won the title of Mr New Zealand and also the 'Most Muscular Man Award' at the 1961 National Weightlifting Championships in Dunedin. He entered Mr New Zealand at the special request of the Canterbury team manager. Douglas continued bodybuilding upon returning to Sarawak. He was crowned the first Mr Sarawak champion at the inaugural competition held in Sibu in 1963. Photo of Douglas taken after he won the overall championship title of the first Mr Sarawak Competition, held in 1963. Douglas later joined the Sarawak Education Service from 1962 to 1994 and since then, he had held various positions – beginning with his first posting at Kanowit Secondary School (now SEDAYA) in 1962, where he continued to serve until 1967. Douglas had been the principal of SMK Kapit from 1968 to 1970, SMK Julau, SMK Nangka in Sibu, and also at SMK Vokasional Sibu. He had also served as a Kanowit District Education Officer in the late 1970s, where later on, he became Group Supervisor of Schools under Sibu Division Education Office. Douglas was appointed an independent director of CCK Consolidated Holdings Bhd on March 20, 2002, and retired from this position on Dec 7, 2012. He had previously served as a board member of Rejang Port Authority, in Sibu. In 2011, Douglas was honoured with the Ahli Bintang Sarawak (ABS) award from the Sarawak Government, and in 2023, Sarawak Bodybuilding Association honoured him with the 'Sarawak Bodybuilding Icon Award'. He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Catherine Abit, their four children, and three grandchildren. bodybuilding Douglas Jerukan Mr Sarawak passed away
