KUCHING: The Organising Committee for the state-level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026 has been established to coordinate early preparations for the event, which is scheduled to begin in May.
The committee was formed following a handover meeting of the state-level Gawai Dayak Celebration Organising Committee, chaired by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the Chairman of the Main Committee for the 2026 celebration held here yesterday (Feb 24).
Uggah said the meeting was convened to ensure that all programme planning is implemented in a systematic, organised and high-impact manner.
He stressed that this year’s celebration must be carried out at a higher standard with thorough planning, in line with the Sarawak Government’s aspiration to position Gawai Dayak as a premier state cultural event capable of elevating the heritage and identity of the Dayak community to a broader platform.
He also expressed appreciation to all parties for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring the success of last year’s celebration.
The meeting agreed to appoint Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, as Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 2026 state-level Gawai Dayak Celebration. He will be assisted by Deputy State Secretary (Administration), Datuk Felicia Tan Ya Hua, as Deputy Chairman.
Also appointed were director of the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak Datuk Cassidy Morris, as Secretary; deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Desmond Douglas Jerukan as deputy Secretary; and assistant State Accountant, Rolend Tama as treasurer.
Also present at the meeting was Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Chairman of the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak Celebration Organising Committee, Datuk Gerawat Gala.
At the meeting, Gerawat presented a report on the initial planning of the event, while Rolend Tama, representing the Main Committee, presented the financial report for reference and further action.
The annual state-level Gawai Dayak celebration serves as an important platform to uphold the culture and traditions of the Dayak community, while strengthening unity and promoting Sarawak’s diverse heritage.
