BAU: The Gawai parade held in conjunction with the Carnival Kebudayaan Singai 2026 at Kampung Barieng, Singai, here today served as a powerful reminder of the resilience, traditions and sacrifices of the Singai community’s ancestors.
Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine), who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, said the event was more than a festive celebration, as it highlighted the struggles endured by earlier generations in building the community’s way of life.
He said the programme enabled the younger generation to appreciate the hardships faced by their forefathers and understand the importance of preserving their cultural identity.
“That is why today’s function is important. It reminds us of the struggle of our community and what they went through to reach where we are today,” he said when attending the parade organised by the Persatuan Adat Asal Singai (PAAS).
Henry recounted how the Bisingai people once lived on Mount Singai and depended heavily on agriculture for survival.
“In those days, they planted padi at the foothills. After planting, they would return to the mountain. When it was time to harvest, they carried the harvest back up the mountain again.
“Just imagine the hardship. It was not easy. That was their lifestyle and daily reality,” he said.
According to him, the parade symbolically recreates aspects of that past, allowing younger members of the community to gain a deeper appreciation of their origins and cultural heritage.
“This parade reminds our young people about our traditions, our roots and our heritage. These are important values that must continue to be preserved,” he said.
Henry also thanked PAAS, government agencies, sponsors, volunteers, members of the media, and various organisations, including those from the tourism and cultural sectors, for contributing to the success of the event.
He stressed that Gawai carries a much deeper meaning than merely being a festive occasion.
“To us, Gawai is very important. It is not simply a celebration. PAAS organises this event to portray the originality of our traditional customs and way of life,” he said.
He noted that in the past, Gawai served as an important annual gathering when members of the community who had been away would return home to celebrate together.
“It was a time when families and relatives reunited. In the old days, Gawai came only once a year, making it a very special occasion,” he said.
Henry explained that traditional Gawai celebrations were closely linked to agricultural success and food security.
“Back then, people did not think in terms of cash. Everything depended on the harvest. If the harvest was poor, Gawai would either be held on a smaller scale or not at all,” he said.
He added that traditional delicacies such as tuak, kasam ikan (preserved fish), preserved wild boar meat, and rice were considered essential components of Gawai celebrations.
“These were the original foods associated with Gawai. Without rice, tuak and preserved food, there could be no proper celebration,” he said.
Henry said the carnival and parade not only preserve cultural practices but also strengthen community bonds, ensuring that the legacy of the Singai people continues to be passed down to future generations.
Bau District Officer, Eddy Nayoi, was also present.
