Latest news with #SarawakPublicCommunicationsUnit


Borneo Post
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Brarak, Bipajak Gawai Bisegu proposed for Sarawak Tourism Calendar
Dr Jerip (third left) greeting attendees at the Brarak and Bipajak Gawai Bisegu 2025 celebration held at Kampung Segu Bunuk, Padawan. – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 3): The Brarak and Bipajak Gawai Bisegu cultural event has been proposed for inclusion in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar, with the aim of elevating it into one of the state's premier cultural tourism attractions. Deputy Minister for Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, made the announcement during the event held at Kampung Segu Benuk in Padawan on Monday, highlighting the festival's strong potential as a community-driven tourism initiative. 'Last year, the parade featured only six contingents. This year, the number has increased to 21, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 participants, a clear indication of its growing appeal,' he said, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas). Dr Jerip said the event, organised by the Segu Bunuk Association, will continue to be refined and expanded based on community participation and public response. 'With the involvement of 21 contingents this year, we are confident the festival will continue to grow, offering even more vibrant and engaging activities in the years to come,' he added. The Mambong assemblyman also underscored the importance of such cultural events in promoting Sarawak's heritage to tourists, positioning them (the cultural events) as competitive cultural tourism products. 'These celebrations provide an important platform for local communities to express their identity, particularly through traditional attire and a shared sense of cultural pride,' he noted. Among those present at the event were Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin; Special Administrative Officer of the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), Datu Ik Pahon Joyik; Administrative Officer of the Padawan Sub-District Office, Julius Scott Sapong and other distinguished guests.


Borneo Post
3 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


The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Nanta proposes Dataran Bujang Berani in Kapit to honour Dayak community
KUCHING: An iconic square named Dataran Bujang Berani is being proposed in Kapit, in the central interior of Sarawak, as a tribute to the significant contributions of the Dayak community in the aspects of national security and development. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit, said the square is proposed to be built near the historic Fort Silvia to serve as a landmark with the potential to become a symbol to commemorate 100 years of peace in Kapit and the struggle of the Dayak community. 'The Kapit division is one in the interior regions and a part where the Dayak community once contributed to the development of Malaysia that we have today,' he said in a statement from the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) during the launch of the book 'Commemorating A Century of Kapit Peacekeeping (1924–2024)' here today. He said the proposal to build the square is not only aimed at commemorating the historic peace event but also as a recognition of the Dayak community who have long contributed to defending the country, including before the establishment of Malaysia. 'Before the formation of Malaysia, they (Dayak people) had already fought for the security of Malaya during the Malayan Emergency as Sarawak Rangers and also as Malaysian Rangers,' he said. Nanta said Dataran Bujang Berani has the potential to be established as a historical reference centre and a symbol of unity for future generations. With regard to the launch of 'Commemorating A Century of Kapit Peacekeeping (1924–2024)', he said, the book represents an important document that compiles historical information, papers, speeches, and a collection of photographs related to the peacekeeping events among various Dayak sub-ethnic groups in Kapit 100 years ago. 'This book does not only immortalise the historic moments that occurred between the communities in Sarawak and the Indonesian border areas, but also serves as a valuable reference for future generations to understand the foundation of the harmony built today,' he added.


The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Nanta proposes Dataran Bujang Berani to honour Dayak in Kapit
KUCHING: An iconic square named Dataran Bujang Berani is being proposed in Kapit, in the central interior of Sarawak, as a tribute to the significant contributions of the Dayak community in the aspects of national security and development. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit, said the square is proposed to be built near the historic Fort Silvia to serve as a landmark with the potential to become a symbol to commemorate 100 years of peace in Kapit and the struggle of the Dayak community. 'The Kapit division is one in the interior regions and a part where the Dayak community once contributed to the development of Malaysia that we have today,' he said in a statement from the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) during the launch of the book 'Commemorating A Century of Kapit Peacekeeping (1924–2024)' here today. He said the proposal to build the square is not only aimed at commemorating the historic peace event but also as a recognition of the Dayak community who have long contributed to defending the country, including before the establishment of Malaysia. 'Before the formation of Malaysia, they (Dayak people) had already fought for the security of Malaya during the Malayan Emergency as Sarawak Rangers and also as Malaysian Rangers,' he said. Nanta said Dataran Bujang Berani has the potential to be established as a historical reference centre and a symbol of unity for future generations. With regard to the launch of 'Commemorating A Century of Kapit Peacekeeping (1924–2024)', he said, the book represents an important document that compiles historical information, papers, speeches, and a collection of photographs related to the peacekeeping events among various Dayak sub-ethnic groups in Kapit 100 years ago. 'This book does not only immortalise the historic moments that occurred between the communities in Sarawak and the Indonesian border areas, but also serves as a valuable reference for future generations to understand the foundation of the harmony built today,' he added.

Barnama
4 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Nanta Proposes Dataran Bujang Berani In Kapit To Honour Dayak Community
KUCHING, May 30 (Bernama) -- An iconic square named Dataran Bujang Berani is being proposed in Kapit, in the central interior of Sarawak, as a tribute to the significant contributions of the Dayak community in the aspects of national security and development. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit, said the square is proposed to be built near the historic Fort Silvia to serve as a landmark with the potential to become a symbol to commemorate 100 years of peace in Kapit and the struggle of the Dayak community. 'The Kapit division is one in the interior regions and a part where the Dayak community once contributed to the development of Malaysia that we have today," he said in a statement from the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) during the launch of the book 'Commemorating A Century of Kapit Peacekeeping (1924–2024)' here today.