KAPIT: The official closing ceremony for the Gawai Dayak celebration, known as ‘ngiling bidai,’ should be held no later than June.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said he proposed setting an official end-date for the ceremony, particularly for communities living in longhouses.
He said a fixed end-date for ‘ngiling bidai’, or ‘ngiling tikai’ in some longhouses, is necessary to refocus on development efforts.
“This would allow the community to refocus on efforts to develop our society, state and country,” he said.
He said this after officiating at the ‘ngiling bidai’ ceremony at Rumah Steward Saba in Tatai Emas, Sungai Amang here on Sunday (Jun 15).
Nanta, who is the Kapit MP, expressed confidence in Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Customs and Laws) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat to raise the matter.
He said Jefferson, who oversees native customs, could help ensure the Gawai closing rituals do not drag on for too long.
On the same note, Nanta also reminded the Dayak community of the importance of preserving their customs and culture as a foundation for harmony.
He said cultural continuity is key to fostering peaceful coexistence among Sarawak’s multi-ethnic communities.
He also urged longhouse residents and surrounding communities to work together to ensure smooth implementation of local development plans.
