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Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Fatimah: Authenticity of Pesta Kaul must be preserved for future generations
Fatimah and other guests pose for a group photo after officially launching Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara. MUKAH (June 2): The authenticity and cultural significance of the Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara must be preserved to reflect the true spirit of the traditional Melanau celebration passed down through generations, said Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. 'If tourists want to witness an authentic Kaul festival, they should come and experience the Pesta Kaul in Mukah,' she said when officiating the opening ceremony of the festival today. Fatimah praised the collaboration between the older and younger generations in ensuring the annual continuation of the cultural event. 'The involvement of both senior and upcoming generations ensures the continuity of the authentic Pesta Kaul,' she said, when officiating at the opening of the Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara today. Fatimah congratulating the committee members for successfully carrying out the responsibility of continuing this cultural legacy. Looking ahead, Fatimah proposed strengthening the celebration further by 2026. 'We can enhance the Pesta Kaul with more structured planning through discussions between local village committees (JKKK) and district office,' she said. She stressed the importance of refining and elevating festival activities, showcasing the innovation and craftsmanship of the Melanau people, particularly in traditional raft-making for the symbolic Serahang procession. To preserve the unique identity of Pesta Kaul, Fatimah highlighted the importance of traditional Melanau attire as a defining feature of the festival, and urged focus on traditions rooted in pre-Islamic and pre-Christian Melanau culture. 'The authenticity of Pesta Kaul must be preserved and passed down. The younger generation must understand its significance through oral storytelling competitions or written narratives about the Kaul,' she explained. Workshops on Serahang making should also be organised to prevent the loss of this cultural craft, she added, while urging the community to safeguard their unity and cultural space against negative external influences. In addition to the cultural aspects, Fatimah also outlined several completed and upcoming development projects under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) in Dalat, and emphasised the importance of education. She noted that the government continues to provide substantial support for early childhood education, ensuring access to quality schooling for children in rural areas. fatimah abdullah lead Melanau community Pesta Kaul
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak 2025 celebrated with tradition, togetherness at Rumah Kechendai
The longhouse residents gathered for the celebration in a joyful atmosphere. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo SELANGAU (June 1): The Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration was joyfully held at Rumah Kechendai, Kepayang Jaya, Sungai Arip, bringing together around 250 residents from 27 families in a vibrant showcase of culture and unity. Tuai Rumah Kechendai Kalob, who also serves as chairman of the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) Kepayang Jaya, said the Gawai Dayak festival is more than just a celebration—it is a vital tradition that strengthens the bonds among longhouse residents. 'This is the time when those working in urban areas return home to celebrate with their families. Gawai is a moment for reunion, especially for those living far away in Peninsular Malaysia. It strengthens bonds within the community,' he said. Tr Kechendai also highlighted the importance of preserving customs and traditions, stating that Gawai is a platform to uphold the cultural identity of the Dayak people. He said traditional rituals such as berancau tikai, mupu antu rua, miring, bedara, ngalu petara, and Ngirup Ai Pengayu were carried out during the celebration. Cultural expressions like bertaboh (traditional drumming) and ngajat (traditional dance) were also featured prominently. The community also conducted a Sembayang Berkat Bilik ceremony to express gratitude to God for past blessings and to seek protection and prosperity for the coming year. Tr Kechendai expressed his appreciation for the development brought by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, especially improvements in basic infrastructure such as paved roads and 24-hour electricity supply. 'Five years ago, returning home for Gawai meant a three-hour journey by river. Today, we have a tarred road reaching our village and reliable electricity,' he shared. Meanwhile, Missy Anak Sandin, head of the Women's Bureau of JKKK Kepayang Jaya, expressed pride in maintaining the tradition of makan serumpu, or communal dining on the longhouse veranda (ruai). A wide variety of traditional dishes were served, including pansuh (bamboo-cooked meat), pekasam (fermented fish), and jungle vegetables such as upa pantu and bamboo shoots. Exotic meats such as venison, civet, and fresh river prawns also featured on the menu. Traditional desserts like penganan cuan, penganan tatok, and ketupat added to the festive spirit. 'The tradition of makan serumpu must be preserved by continuing to prepare and serve traditional foods,' she said. The celebration also included various activities and competitions, including a lucky draw and a special appreciation ceremony for six senior citizens in the community, recognising their contributions and honoring their presence during the celebration. celebration community Gawai Dayak lead Rumah Kechendai
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
RM50,000 grant slated for new longhouse in Mujong-Baleh
Ugak performs the ribbon-cutting ceremony, prior to the 'Mangkong Tiang'. Seen on his right is the longhouse chieftain TR Gawan Bujai. KAPIT (May 30): An allocation of RM50,000 has been announced for Rumah Gawan Bujai, a newly-completed 30-door longhouse at Nanga Aman in Mujong-Baleh, near here. According to Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, the grant would be channelled to the village security and development committee (JKKK). 'It is to cover the cost of constructing the concrete walkway at the longhouse, and also for tiling works on the 'ruai' (common veranda),' said the Hulu Rajang MP in his speech for the 'Mangkong Tiang' (a ritual where an ironwood bat is used to strike the main pillar of the longhouse, to symbolise house-warming) at Rumah Gawan on Wednesday evening. Adding on, Ugak also conveyed good wishes to the villagers for moving into the new longhouse in time for the Gawai Dayak celebration. He also advised: 'Always cooperate with the elected people's representatives – for this area, work closely with Baleh assemblyman Nicholas Kudi Jantai and myself. 'To the JKKK, become the bridge between the villagers and the government. 'Also, in connection with the festive season, be prudent in your spending. 'Buy only the necessary things, and be very mindful of other necessities such as your children's education.' Also present at the event were Kapit Resident's Office administrative officer Rolyn Terrance Janting, Councillor Laban Jaoh, and local community leaders Penghulu Linggi Maseng, Penghulu Anyi Kumbong, Penghulu Sallang Batang, and Tuai Rumah Sengiang Usat. allocation Kapit lead longhouse Rumah Gawan Bujai Wilson Ugak Kumbong
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
GRS yet to decide on PH partnership for Sabah polls
Mohamed Razali (third left) presenting a JKKK appointment letter during the event, while Abqaree (second left) looks on. KOTA KINABALU (May 25): Speculations that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will only partner with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the coming state elections remain a speculation, said GRS executive secretary Datuk Mohamed Razali Mohamed Razi. Mohamed Razali said the word speculation in terms of politics means that anything is possible, as politics itself is dynamic, so for now, GRS has not made any decision on the matter. However, he stressed that at the end of the day, whatever decision they make will be based on the interests of the rakyat. 'So, we leave it to the top leadership to decide, but I reiterate that our objective is to do what's best for the people of Sabah. 'Because GRS does not act exclusively, but inclusively. We have to recognise and appreciate our friends who are not in Sabah. 'To me, that is very important,' he told reporters after the ceremony to hand over Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) appointment letters for the Darau state constituency at Kampung Warisan here today. Meanwhile, Mohamed Razali called for the GRS-led state government to be maintained to ensure political stability as well as the continuity of its various initiatives in addressing longstanding issues such as water, roads and electricity. He did not deny that these issues are prevalent in the Sepanggar area, but assured that the government has been taking action. Mohamed Razali, who is also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Darau chief, said the government has a direction and has done many things to tackle these problems through documented short and long-term plans, but such issues require time to resolve. 'Hence, we need stability to keep the momentum. And continuity, that is very important. 'If we keep changing governments, the next administration will come in with new policies, and it is the rakyat who will be affected,' he said. Meanwhile, Mohamed Razali said around 500 people had attended the programme at Darau, which was held in conjunction with the 'Jelajah Darau D'Hati' roadshow, jointly organised with the Darau Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM). He said his team will be travelling from village to village during the roadshow to bring various services to the rakyat, in collaboration with government agencies such as the State Welfare Department and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. The National Registration Department is also involved in the programme to assist in settling documentation issues faced by the villagers, he said. Other activities held during the Sunday programme include a Rahmah Sale as well as a Mobile Legends e-sports competition, as he highlighted the need to involve the youth in community events. Also present was UPPM Darau head Abqaree Fawwaz Abekan.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sibu MP distributes Gawai grants to 69 JKKKs
Ling (front, seventh left) joins some of the JKKK members in a group photo, taken after the presentation of the allocations. SIBU (May 24): Sibu MP Oscar Ling recently handed over Gawai Dayak allocations to 69 village security and development committees (JKKKs) in his parliamentary constituency. He said the grants were intended to encourage longhouse residents to use the Gawai festivities as an opportunity to strengthen fellowship and foster greater community cohesion. 'Gawai is not only an important traditional festival for the Dayak community, but also a platform to demonstrate cultural heritage and community unity,' he said in a statement. 'Through such festivities, residents can strengthen their emotional ties with each other. 'At the same time, it also helps to promote the local aboriginal culture so that the younger generation can understand and cherish the precious traditions left by their ancestors,' added the parliamentarian. Gawai jkkk lead oscar ling Sibu
