KUCHING: The Sarawak Dayak Women’s Association (SIDS) Siol Kandis branch has received a total of RM15,000 in funding aimed at strengthening efforts to preserve and promote Iban culture and traditions within the local community.
The donation gifted by the Advisor in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development) and Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom was announced during the Pre-Gawai Dayak Dinner held at the Penview Convention Centre on Thursday night (May 16), where RM10,000 was officially handed over.
The initial installment of RM5,000 was already disbursed on April 27.
Mawan said that the funding was to bolster programmes and initiatives carried out by the association.
“The Gawai Dayak festival holds deep significance, symbolizing the spirit and unity of the Dayak community since it was first celebrated in 1963,” he reasoned.
He said this in his text of speech read by SDNU senior vice president, Professor Dr Noria Tugang, who is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
Mawan said the origins of Gawai were closely tied to the agricultural practices of the Dayak people.
“Traditionally, the Dayak would prepare their land and plant rice before the celebration. Once the harvest was complete and safely stored, they would mark their gratitude through Gawai, beginning on June 1 each year.
He also acknowledged how the evolution of modern lifestyles has influenced the way Gawai is celebrated today.
“While the Kumang and Keling pageants remain the highlight, Gawai now includes craft sales and various activities that reflect the richness of Iban culture.
“Preserving these practices is a responsibility that lies with all of us, no one else will do it on our behalf,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of safeguarding traditional Dayak attire.
Mawan encouraged the public to contribute suggestions related to traditional attire, which will be discussed in an upcoming meeting on May 29 in Kuala Lumpur.
“Traditional costumes are worn only on special occasions, such as weddings, Gawai, and ceremonial events, hence it must always be styled with respect and accuracy,” he added.
He informed that there would be a seminar at UNIMAS on June 19, focusing on the appropriate wearing of traditional attire among the Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu communities, targeted both students and academic staff.
