Latest news with #WanJunaidiTuankuJaafar

The Star
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Thousands attend Sarawak's Gawai Day open house
Showcasing diversity: Sarawak's Orang Ulu ethnic group, Uli Bilong (centre) and friends singing a welcome song at the Sarawak government's Gawai Dayak Day open house at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. — Bernama KUCHING: Sounds of the sape, a traditional musical instrument of the Orang Ulu community, as well as dance performances from various ethnic groups, were among highlights of the Gawai Dayak Day open house organised by the Sarawak government. Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, the event was attended by about 3,000 visitors from diverse racial backgrounds. Organised by Orang Ulu leaders, the event, from 9am to 2pm yesterday, was graced by the guests of honour Sarawak governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. The programme was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Tian, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala and a line-up of state Cabinet ministers, Bernama reported. Earlier, the arrival of the guest of honour was accompanied by a parade and a performance of Ngentau Lan'e and Belian Suket by the Sarawak Kenyah National Association, which is often sung by the Kenyah community to welcome guests. As the chairman of the organising committee, Gerawat, who is also an Orang Ulu of the Kelabit ethnic group, said this year's open house event provided an opportunity for the community to showcase their culture through clothing and performances to the visitors. 'As the main hosts and organisers, we are showcasing our culture to outsiders... not only the Orang Ulu but also other communities such as the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said. Suzanna Nyuak, 32, said the festive occasion was a platform for Sarawakians to celebrate the festival regardless of their race or religion. 'I was on duty as the receptionist for this event, and the warmth of the event was felt when people started coming in. 'For all Sarawakians, especially my family in Kapit, I hope this year's Gawai Day will give meaning to all of us,' said Suzana, who is from Kampung Nanga Ibau, Kapit.


The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Joy at Sarawak govt Gawai Day Open House
KUCHING: The sounds of the sape, a traditional musical instrument of the Orang Ulu community, as well as dance performances from various ethnic groups were among the highlights of the Gawai Dayak Day Open House organised by the Sarawak government today. Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), the event, organised by Orang Ulu leaders, was attended by approximately 3,000 visitors from diverse racial backgrounds. The event, which started from 9 am to 2 pm, was graced by the guests of honour, Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. The programme was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Ammar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Tian, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala and a line-up of state cabinet ministers. Earlier, the arrival of the guest of honour was accompanied by a parade and a performance of Ngentau Lan'e and Belian Suket by the Sarawak Kenyah National Association (PKKS), which is often sung by the Kenyah community to welcome guests. As the chairman of the Organising Committee, Gerawat, who is also an Orang Ulu of the Kelabit ethnic group, said this year's open house event provides an opportunity for the community to showcase their culture through clothing and performances to the visitors. 'As the main hosts and organisers, we are showcasing our culture to outsiders... not only the Orang Ulu but also other communities such as the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said. Unable to celebrate Gawai Day with her family due to work commitments, Suzanna Nyuak, 32, said the festive occasion was a platform for Sarawakians to celebrate the festival regardless of their race or religion. 'I was on duty as the receptionist for this event, and the warmth of the event was felt when people started coming in. 'For all Sarawakians, especially my family in Kapit, I hope this year's Gawai Day will give meaning to all of us,' said Suzana, who is from Kampung Nanga Ibau, Kapit.


New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sarawak governer urges vigilance on roads after deadly FRU crash
KUCHING: The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the public to take heed of the recent road tragedy that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers, urging greater vigilance and responsibility during festive travel. In a message marking the 2025 Gawai Dayak celebrations, he said such tragedies should serve as a wake-up call on the importance of adhering to safety measures and driving responsibly. "As we celebrate Gawai Dayak with joy, I urge all Sarawakians to be cautious and prioritise safety on the roads, especially when returning to their hometowns," he said today. With improved infrastructure, including the Pan Borneo Highway, easing travel across the region, Wan Junaidi warned against turning such routes into 'racing circuits', stressing that 'it is better to arrive late than never'. Turning to broader development, Wan Junaidi reaffirmed the state's commitment to narrowing the urban-rural divide, citing significant infrastructure upgrades under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). These include the rebuilding of more than 200 dilapidated schools and the construction of 16 bridges, along with the ongoing expansion of the Pan Borneo Highway and coastal road networks. "These efforts are not just about better connectivity, but also about improving quality of life in rural areas, from road access and clean water to telecommunications," he said. Wan Junaidi also highlighted the state's focus on education, noting various initiatives to boost literacy and academic achievement, including early intervention programmes and the establishment of community-based learning centres. He urged parents to prioritise their children's education, describing it as 'key to a brighter future'. Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Gawai Dayak, officially celebrated since 1965, Wan Junaidi said the festival is more than just a harvest celebration. He said it embodies unity, harmony and mutual respect among Sarawak's diverse communities, values that must be preserved and strengthened. — BERNAMA


The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Sarawak Governor urges vigilance on roads after deadly FRU crash
KUCHING: The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the public to take heed of the recent road tragedy that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers, urging greater vigilance and responsibility during festive travel. In a message marking the 2025 Gawai Dayak celebrations, he said such tragedies should serve as a wake-up call on the importance of adhering to safety measures and driving responsibly. 'As we celebrate Gawai Dayak with joy, I urge all Sarawakians to be cautious and prioritise safety on the roads, especially when returning to their hometowns,' he said today. With improved infrastructure, including the Pan Borneo Highway, easing travel across the region, Wan Junaidi warned against turning such routes into 'racing circuits', stressing that 'it is better to arrive late than never'. Turning to broader development, Wan Junaidi reaffirmed the state's commitment to narrowing the urban-rural divide, citing significant infrastructure upgrades under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). These include the rebuilding of more than 200 dilapidated schools and the construction of 16 bridges, along with the ongoing expansion of the Pan Borneo Highway and coastal road networks. 'These efforts are not just about better connectivity, but also about improving quality of life in rural areas, from road access and clean water to telecommunications,' he said. Wan Junaidi also highlighted the state's focus on education, noting various initiatives to boost literacy and academic achievement, including early intervention programmes and the establishment of community-based learning centres. He urged parents to prioritise their children's education, describing it as 'key to a brighter future'. Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Gawai Dayak, officially celebrated since 1965, Wan Junaidi said the festival is more than just a harvest celebration. He said it embodies unity, harmony and mutual respect among Sarawak's diverse communities, values that must be preserved and strengthened.


The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
S'wak Governor urges vigilance on roads after deadly FRU crash
KUCHING: The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the public to take heed of the recent road tragedy that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers, urging greater vigilance and responsibility during festive travel. In a message marking the 2025 Gawai Dayak celebrations, he said such tragedies should serve as a wake-up call on the importance of adhering to safety measures and driving responsibly. 'As we celebrate Gawai Dayak with joy, I urge all Sarawakians to be cautious and prioritise safety on the roads, especially when returning to their hometowns,' he said today. With improved infrastructure, including the Pan Borneo Highway, easing travel across the region, Wan Junaidi warned against turning such routes into 'racing circuits', stressing that 'it is better to arrive late than never'. Turning to broader development, Wan Junaidi reaffirmed the state's commitment to narrowing the urban-rural divide, citing significant infrastructure upgrades under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). These include the rebuilding of more than 200 dilapidated schools and the construction of 16 bridges, along with the ongoing expansion of the Pan Borneo Highway and coastal road networks. 'These efforts are not just about better connectivity, but also about improving quality of life in rural areas, from road access and clean water to telecommunications,' he said. Wan Junaidi also highlighted the state's focus on education, noting various initiatives to boost literacy and academic achievement, including early intervention programmes and the establishment of community-based learning centres. He urged parents to prioritise their children's education, describing it as 'key to a brighter future'. Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Gawai Dayak, officially celebrated since 1965, Wan Junaidi said the festival is more than just a harvest celebration. He said it embodies unity, harmony and mutual respect among Sarawak's diverse communities, values that must be preserved and strengthened.