SRI AMAN: Dayak customs and cultural traditions must continue to be preserved despite changes in the way Gawai Dayak is celebrated today, said Datuk Francis Harden Hollis.
The Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development said evolving lifestyles and religious practices have altered the nature of Gawai celebrations among the Dayak community, particularly the Iban, but cultural elements that define the community’s identity should remain an integral part of the festival.
“Today, most Ibans are Christians and Gawai celebrations are centred on preserving cultural traditions such as the wearing of burung and ngepan attire, as well as performances of the Ngajat Ngalu Pengabang dance.
“Although the celebrations are different from those in the past, these customs and traditions must be maintained because they are part of the Dayak identity,” he said at the Ngabang Dayak 2026 programme at Rumah Suntie, Sebujok, Ulu Undop on Wednesday (Jun 3).
Harden explained that Gawai celebrations in the past were often organised according to the needs of individual longhouse communities and were more closely associated with the performance of specific traditional rituals.
However, he noted that while the religious aspects of the festival have evolved over time, efforts to preserve Dayak cultural heritage remain essential.
The Simanggang assemblyman also encouraged the Iban community to continue incorporating cultural elements into the welcoming of visitors at longhouses during the Gawai festive season.
According to him, doing so would provide guests, especially those from other ethnic groups, with an opportunity to better understand and appreciate Dayak traditions.
“This is important so that visitors can experience our customs and culture firsthand and share those experiences with others,” he said.
During the event, Harden presented Rural Minor Project (MRP) grants totalling RM28,000 to four Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) and a women’s bureau to support their respective activities.
He also officiated the opening of a new suspension bridge in Kampung Sebujok, Ulu Undop, valued at RM550,000 and constructed under the Simanggang constituency’s Rural Transformation Programme (RTP).
