Latest news with #Mamat
Borneo Post
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak Parade 2025 melds cultural heritage with futuristic flair
The humanoid robot with ngepan Iban with the robot dog among the spectacle at the parade – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 21): The Gawai Dayak Parade 2025 brought a vibrant fusion of tradition and technology to the streets of Kuching today, as 91 contingents marched in celebration of Dayak heritage. One of the standout moments came from the Raban Betong 2025 contingent, which drew widespread attention – and praise from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg – with their futuristic display featuring a robotic dog and a humanoid robot, both dressed in full traditional Iban 'ngepan' (traditional attire). The high-tech presentation was a striking example of how cultural identity can evolve in harmony with modern innovation. Earlier in the day, the sacred 'Mamat' ritual was performed in the lobby of the Tun Jugah Building, setting a solemn tone before the parade festivities. Pemanca Tony Kulleh (second right) alongside others gathered at the Tungun Belawing – Photo by Galileo Petingi Echoing chants filled the space as participants sought ancestral blessings for a safe and meaningful celebration. Traditionally linked to preparations for headhunting journeys and the paddy planting season, the Mamat ceremony carries deep spiritual meaning. Central to the ritual is the 'Tungun Belawing', a carved wooden pole adorned with Orang Ulu motifs such as the 'bunga kerbu'. Crowning the pole is a hornbill sculpture – a powerful emblem of honour, strength, and identity among Sarawak's indigenous peoples. Gawai Dayak parade high tech Kuching robots
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Bus drivers struggle on RM700 basic pay, rely on overtime
KUALA LUMPUR: With a basic salary as low as RM700 a month, or sometimes none, bus drivers depend heavily on travel allowances and overtime, often sacrificing their days off just to cover living expenses. A 34-year-old tour bus driver, who only wished to be known as Mior, said he relied entirely on commissions and the distance travelled, based on his customers' requests. "My basic salary is only RM700 a month. I receive a 15 per cent commission for each bus rental, while the remaining 85 per cent goes to the employer or tour bus owner. "If I take on many long-distance trips, I can earn up to RM3,000 to RM4,000 a month, with only five or six days off. "But if I take on shorter trips, I earn around RM2,000. "Based on last year's records, the fewest days off I had in a month was three," he said when contacted. Mior earns about RM400 for a trip from Parit to Seri Iskandar, Johor. A journey from Seri Iskandar to Kuala Lumpur, including sightseeing with his passengers, brings in about RM1,800. With a 15 per cent commission per rental, he pockets an additional RM60 for the first trip and RM270 for the latter. However, a 29-year-old bus driver, who only wished to be known as Mamat, claimed his company did not provide any basic salary. "For a trip from Manjung to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), I earn about RM50. I can make around RM100 a day for a return trip. "If I have four days off a month, I earn about RM2,600. If I work without any days off, I can make RM3,000," he said, adding that he still needed to apply for leave whenever necessary. He however said some express bus companies provide a basic salary of RM1,700, including travel allowances. Previously, Bumiputera Bus Operators Association (PPBBM) chairman Zainal Abidin Mehat said some companies allowed their drivers to work up to 28 days a month due to a shortage of drivers. He said the arrangement was mutually agreed upon by both the company and the drivers for their shared benefit. Zainal also said that bus drivers typically earn a basic salary of RM1,700 and have to rely on travel allowances and overtime to supplement their income.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak Parade in Kuching to begin with traditional Orang Ulu ritual Upacara Mamat
Participants rehearse for the Gawai Dayak Parade 2025. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 20): The traditional Orang Ulu ritual Upacara Mamat will be a key ceremonial highlight ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade tomorrow here. State-level Gawai Dayak Celebration Main Organising Committee chairman Datuk Gerawat Gala said preparations are complete for the main event, which will be attended by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, with briefings conducted for all contingent leaders and 50 experienced marshals. 'Today, we briefed all contingent leaders and the marshals, who are mainly police and army veterans, on the dos and don'ts, and the overall procession order,' he told reporters before today's final rehearsal. The Upacara Mamat, a traditional Orang Ulu ritual, will be held in the Tun Jugah Building lobby at 1.40pm prior to the parade, which is scheduled to start at 2.10pm. Conducted by the Sarawak Council for Customs and Traditions and led by Belaga Kenyah community Pemanca Tony Kulleh, the ritual will seek blessings and permission from ancestral spirits to commence the traditional and cultural parade. Historically, the thanksgiving ritual was performed ahead of headhunting expeditions or to invoke blessings for the paddy planting season. A key element of the ritual is the Tungun Belawing, a carved ceremonial wooden pole adorned with traditional Orang Ulu motifs such as the bunga kerbu. Atop the pole sits a hornbill sculpture, symbolising honour and cultural identity. While the Mamat ritual is no longer carried out in its original form based on traditional beliefs, its core values remain preserved, expressed today through prayers, thanksgiving ceremonies, and cultural celebrations. Reviving and showcasing this tradition is seen as a meaningful way to preserve the cultural identity of the Orang Ulu, particularly the Kenyah community in Sarawak. Gerawat explained that although no longer widely practiced, Mamat remains symbolic as a celebration of unity and a way of passing down the spirit of courage and togetherness to the younger generation. Gawai Dayak Cultural Parade Organising Committee chairman and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon said the ritual reflects gratitude, shared achievement, and unity, which are values that Gawai continues to celebrate. There will be 91 contingents and 12 floats for tomorrow's parade, which will involve over 3,000 individuals. All contingents will be evaluated by a special panel to determine the best contingent in each of the three main categories: Orang Ulu, Iban, and Bidayuh. Cash prizes of RM10,000, RM5,000, and RM3,000 will be awarded to the first, second, and third-place winners respectively, with consolation prizes of RM1,000. Despite the event coinciding with the Rainforest World Music Festival, Gerawat and Chukpai are hopeful for a strong turnout. 'We understand the date clash is unavoidable due to the availability of our VIP guests and the venue. We hope the public will attend both. Come here in the day and enjoy the festival at night,' Gerawat said. The parade will also feature special guests and contingents from outside Sarawak including Sabahans from the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch. Also joining the celebration is a delegation from North Kalimantan led by Vice Governor of North Kalimantan Ingkong Ala and Senator of the Republic of Indonesia and President of the National Dayak Customary Council Dr Marthin Billa. Chukpai added that the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail is expected to attend the parade as a special guest. Gawai Dayak parade gerawat gala lead Upacara Mamat
