KUCHING: The 2025 Gawai Dayak Open House took centre stage as top state leaders and thousands of attendees came together at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday (June 1).
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, arrived at the venue at 10.40am, shortly after Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, who were welcomed at 10.30am.
The dignitaries were warmly received by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who led the event, and Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
The celebration was officially launched with the traditional Gawai Toast led by the Head of State, followed by a symbolic gong strike by Wan Junaidi to mark the beginning of the festivities.
All the guests and leaders were then treated to a feast accompanied by a series of cultural and entertainment performances, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Sarawak’s Dayak communities.
Crowds had begun gathering at the venue as early as 9am, with the festivities continuing until 2pm, filling BCCK with lively music, colour, and community spirit.
