BINTULU: Young women from the Kakus constituency now have a unique opportunity to showcase their cultural pride and elegance through the Pekit Kumang Gawai Tatau 2025 competition, scheduled for June 14 in conjunction with the district-level Gawai Dayak celebration in Tatau.
The prestigious pageant returns with a mission to strengthen Iban cultural heritage and empower the younger generation to uphold traditional values amid growing modern influences.
According to the organisers, participation is open to Sarawakian women of Dayak descent – either through one or both parents – aged 18 to 30, single, fluent in the Iban language, and who have never been crowned Kumang.
“The registration deadline is June 10 at 11:59 pm, and all related expenses, including attire and travel, will be borne by participants.
“However, no entry fee will be charged,” the organisers said.
Contestants are required to wear traditional Iban attire throughout the competition, serving as a tribute to the richness of Iban textile heritage and ethnic adornments.
“If more than 10 participants register, a preliminary screening will be held on June 12.
“A rehearsal session will take place at 10:00 am on June 14, with the grand finale scheduled for 6:00 pm on the same day at Dinner World Restaurant, Bintulu,” they added.
The winner, who will be crowned ‘Kumang Gawai Tatau 2025’, will receive RM3,000 in cash along with a crown, sash, trophy, bouquet of flowers, and a certificate of participation.
The first runner-up, or ‘Lulong’, will receive RM2,500, while the third-place winner, titled ‘Selinggar Matahari’, will take home RM2,000.
Both will also receive a sash, trophy, bouquet, and certificate.
All other finalists will receive RM500 each as a consolation prize.
Registration can be completed online via a digital form or by contacting TR Esther Ansai at 012-8085898 or TR Gilbert Ngadi Melaka at 019-8577799.
