BINTULU: The Dayak community is urged to celebrate the upcoming Gawai Dayak festival modestly and responsibly.
Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai, emphasised the importance of prudent spending, particularly considering the financial commitments many families will face after the festivities.
“We know that after Gawai, it will be the season for our children to pursue higher education at universities or form-sixth colleges. Parents will inevitably require additional funds for this purpose,” he said.
He made these remarks during his speech at the Bintulu Division-Level 2025 Pre-Gawai Dayak Celebration, held at a prominent restaurant on Saturday evening.
Sikie, who is also the Kakus assemblyman, advised the community not to become overly engrossed in the festivities to the point of neglecting future needs, especially the education of their children, which demands robust financial support.
He added that a restrained celebration not only safeguards household economic well-being but also reflects the Dayak culture’s emphasis on family values, moderation, and mutual respect.
The event featured various Dayak cultural and artistic performances, the Bintulu 2025 Kumang Gawai Dayak competition, and a performance by renowned Iban singer Linda Simai.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak and Samalaju assemblyman Datuk Majang Renggi, accompanied by his wife Datin Evelyn Ensanggai.
Under the theme ‘Segulai Sejalai’ (Together in Unity), the event was organised by the Bintulu Division Gawai Dayak Celebration Committee, chaired by Thomas Nyaring Mawan.
During the ceremony, Sikie and Majang announced grants of RM30,000 and RM20,000 respectively, to the committee in support of the celebration.
