LIMBANG: The Medamit Gawai Bazaar 2025 is not just a cultural celebration, but a symbol of community unity and a catalyst for local economic growth, said Transport Deputy Minister, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.
In his closing speech at the event held at Dewan Terbuka Medamit on Saturday, Hasbi who is also Limbang Member of Parliament, announced an allocation of RM25,000 in support of this year’s Medamit Gawai Bazaar.
He said this was a significant step in ensuring the continuity of a traditional event that has become a platform for unity among the various ethnic and religious communities in Sarawak’s interior.
“The organisation of this bazaar not only enlivens the Gawai celebration, but also has the potential to revitalise the Medamit township economy, which was once a draw for visitors, including those from neighbouring Brunei,” he said.
He also emphasised that physical and infrastructure development remains a government priority, noting that Phase 2 of the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) project is currently underway.
The road will connect the Medamit area without having to pass through Brunei and is expected to bring significant benefits to the rural community.
“Once completed, this project will open up more opportunities and turn Medamit into a new economic and tourism hub,” he said.
He also announced that the Ulu Lubai-Bukit Sagan road project will begin in June following the handover of the site to the contractor, benefiting residents in the surrounding areas.
“The commitment of the state government led by GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) and the Unity Government at the federal level is clear – rural areas will not be left behind,” he stressed, while calling on the people to continue supporting the current leadership.
The closing ceremony was enlivened by various cultural performances, the Kumang Anak Mit pageant, lucky draws, and the symbolic ‘ngetas ranyai’ ritual, which received an enthusiastic response from over 550 attendees.
The event, organised by the Medamit Tamu Committee in collaboration with the Limbang District Council, showcased the power of community collaboration in executing large-scale traditional events in rural areas.
