Latest news with #Penguang
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
21-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Penguang: DID Sarawak proposes underground tunnel system to tackle Miri flooding
Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil KUCHING (May 21): The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak is planning to construct a series of vertical shaft systems, linked by underground tunnels, which will serve as reservoirs to collect the excessive water runoff and gradually discharge the excess water into nearby rivers, said Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil. The Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government described the proposed system as a more disruptive, innovative, and sustainable solution to address Miri's flood and flash flood issues, and the concept is inspired by models used in Western countries. 'As an alternative, we may also utilise existing underground sewerage tunnels to collect and discharge excess water, similar to approaches implemented in Canada and other Western nations,' he said. He made these remarks in response to Adam Yii (GPS-Pujut), who raised questions about immediate and long-term flood mitigation plans by the Sarawak government for Miri during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Regarding immediate flood mitigation plan, Penguang said DID has undertaken the Miri River Flood Mitigation Plan Phase 1, which commenced in November 2023 at a cost of RM25.655 million. 'This project includes the construction of two pump stations at Jalan Miri Lutong (beside Lutong bridge), and at Jalan Permaisuri (next to the cemetery at Sungai Baong) to mitigate the flood problem at Kampung Pangkalan Lutong and Jalan Jee Foh,' he said. In addition to this project, he said the Miri River Flood Mitigation Plan Phase 2 has also been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). 'The detailed design has been completed and is expected to be tendered by the last quarter of 2025. 'This Phase 2 will cover Pujut, Lopeng and part of Taman Tunku,' he added. When asked about the total scheme value of the project, Penguang said that it amounts to RM50 million, whereas the ceiling for 12MP is RM5 million, which is only sufficient for the detailed design services, survey works, and partial land acquisition. He said the main components of the project include deepening and widening of Sungai Dalam, detention pond, removal of dilapidated structures or obstruction bridges, drainage works, and river wall.
Borneo Post
11-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Dayaks urged to unite, preserve heritage and traditions for younger generation
DAM president Penghulu Wilfred Mac (second left) presents a souvenir to Penguang, witnessed by 'Niti Daun' organising chairman Joe Agol. MIRI (May 12): The Dayak community in Sarawak must unite so their voices can be heard clearly when championing their own people, especially if they wish to be respected and recognised like other ethnic groups, said Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil. The Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said they would be respected for their strong sense of unity and solidarity. 'If the Iban, Bidayuh and all the other Dayak ethnic groups come together and unite as seen in the 'Niti Daun' parade, they can become an icon for Sarawak,' he said at the Gawai Dayak Cultural Stage on Saturday. Penguang cited the Orang Ulu community as a successful example, saying that through the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia (Forum), they established their own building, held delegates' conferences, and preserved their culture and traditions through workshops and activities at their cultural centre. 'I have said this before—if Forum can do it, with its own building and delegates' conference, why can't we?' he said, adding the Iban community with its many non-governmental organisations in Miri was capable of doing the same. 'Therefore, I hope this spirit of unity can be maintained; not only now, but in the future. I believe that together, we can do it,' he said. The event was held in conjunction with the 'Niti Daun' parade organised by the Miri Division Gawai Dayak celebration organising committee, and was held at the Gawai Dayak Bazaar grounds in Permyjaya. It was hosted by the Dayak Association of Miri (DAM) in collaboration with Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak Association (GADS), which also organised the bazaar. Penguang also reaffirmed his strong commitment as a people's representative in preserving the customs and traditions of the Iban and broader Dayak community, saying that in line with this, he had organised the Ngepan Iban (Iban traditional costume) Symposium in 2023, and the Iban Language and Handicrafts Symposium in 2024. 'We also must not forget our cultural roots, which should be preserved in the years to come so they are not lost to time and erased amidst today's rapid technological advancement, particularly in this era of artificial intelligence. 'What matters most is we continue to preserve our heritage, so the younger generation remembers what they have and takes pride in the legacy of our people, our elders and our ancestors,' he said. On the parade held on Saturday afternoon, Penguang expressed his admiration, saying it was the first time the event had involved various ethnic groups from the Miri Division and Baram area. 'The commitment shown by all communities is something we should continue to build on.' During the same event, Penguang also presented prizes to the best contingents and performances from the parade. Rurum Kelabit Sarawak emerged as the overall winner, followed by the Association of Village Chiefs from Beluru, Marudi in second place, and the Saban Community Association in third. The four consolation prize winners were the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Miri; the Iban Arts and Culture Club of Batang Rajang (KIBAR); Musang Labang from DAM; and the Kenyah National Association of Sarawak (PPKS). Dayak community lead Penguang Manggil traditions younger generation
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Miri's ‘Niti Daun' parade ushers in Gawai spirit with indigenous pride on full display
Penguang (second right) leads the 'Niti Daun' parade, marking his role as Tuai Gawai in this year's vibrant Gawai Dayak celebrations. MIRI (May 10): A vibrant celebration of Sarawak's cultural diversity unfolded in Miri as 20 contingents representing various indigenous communities took part in the colourful 'Niti Daun' parade, marking the start of Gawai Dayak 2025 festivities. Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, who is also Marudi assemblyman, led the celebration as the Tuai Gawai (head of Gawai). The event began with the traditional miring ritual at the field near Kolej Komuniti Miri, offering blessings for a bountiful harvest and communal well-being. Penguang's participation reflected his continued commitment to preserving and promoting Dayak heritage and his leadership among Sarawak's indigenous communities. Penguang (second left) being served 'tuak' or rice wine during the miring ritual. The 1.5-kilometre parade showcased vibrant cultural performances and traditional attire from various Dayak associations, including the organised Miri Dayak Association (DAM), Persatuan Wanita Orang Ulu Miri (PWOUM), Persatuan Kayan Sarawak, and Sarawak Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), among others. Participants proudly displayed the rich cultural tapestry of Sarawak's ethnic groups, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Kayan, and Lun Bawang, through traditional dance, music, and symbolic motifs. Permyjaya played host to this year's event, complementing the ongoing Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025, a month-long celebration of Dayak culture, food, and crafts. Members of Persatuan Masyarakat Saban Sarawak bring tradition to life during the parade, with a 'sape' performance showcasing their rich cultural heritage. One of the main attractions this year is the Kumang Keligit Dayung Sangon and Keling Belawan pageants, which celebrate not just beauty but also intellect and cultural knowledge. Preliminary rounds will be held at Permy Mall on May 17, with the grand finals set for May 24 at Meritz Hotel, offering RM5,000 in prize money. With an enthusiastic turnout at the 'Niti Daun' parade, excitement is building for the rest of the Gawai Dayak celebrations. Gawai lead miri Niti Daun Penguang Manggil Permyjaya
Borneo Post
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Baram Regatta roars back with faster boats, fresh thrills, cultural flair this Sept
File photo from Baram Regatta 2023. MIRI (April 23): The iconic Baram Regatta in Marudi is set to return this year, featuring more powerful engines for power boat races and the debut of fibre longboats. According to the main organising committee in its first meeting on Tuesday, the opening ceremony and main events are scheduled for Sept 20-21, while other side events will begin on Sept 18 onwards. The rich cultural tapestry of Baram basin will be showcased on the first day of the event instead of the closing night to allow more people to experience and appreciate this rich heritage, it added. Organising chairman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said while the opening and closing events for traditional paddling races are maintained, this year's Baram Regatta will be slightly different compared to previous years. 'We will be leaving out the less popular events to concentrate on the more popular events, like remote control boat racing, as the choppy Baram River waters are not conducive. 'The new additions include fibre longboat races, power boat racing with engine capacity cap raised from 30hp to 50hp—all of which will attract many people including those from Brunei and other parts of the state,' said the Marudi assemblyman. 'The roar and speed of the more powerful boats is expected to provide bigger thrill and excitement to spectators lining up the Baram River banks.' Penguang, also Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said RM300,000 has been approved to spruce up the facilities, including roofing over the stage overlooking the Baram River and covering of walkways on the bank below Fort Hose to the town. On a related matter, he said Marudi is expected to see a snail-crawl for traffic flow this year following the completion of the bridge across the Baram River last year, which allowed unfettered access to the town instead of reliance on ferry services previously. 'In the last edition, due to the extreme congestion, vehicles lined up from the ferry point to the Marudi Airport, waiting for their turn to cross the Baram River and return to Miri and other places. 'With a bigger influx of visitors to Marudi this year, the main committee has identified Marudi industrial mini-estate and other areas as possible sites for parking to help reduce bottled-neck congestion inside the town area,' he added. Meanwhile the organiser is inviting members of the public to participate in the competition to pick the best event logo. Vendors would also be able to rent uniform tents at their respective allotted lots, added the organiser. Baram Regatta cultural marudi Penguang Manggil power boat racing
