KUCHING: Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, have extended Gawai Dayak greetings to all Sarawakians.
In his festive message, Wan Junaidi called on the Dayak community to continue cherishing the values of harmony and gratitude that have long been the foundation of the celebration.
He stressed the need to uphold unity, preserve cultural heritage, and prioritise safety during the festive season.
“Gawai is more than just a harvest festival; it is a powerful symbol of unity and cultural pride for the Dayak community and all Sarawakians,” he said.
He reflected on the historical significance of Gawai Dayak, which was officially declared a public celebration in 1965, highlighting the role of past Dayak leaders in elevating the community’s cultural identity, and emphasising that traditions such as ngajat, ruai, ai pengayu and communal preparations embody noble values that must continue to be nurtured.
Wan Junaidi also stressed the importance of education as a pillar of progress, particularly for children in rural areas, and praised the Sarawak Government for its ongoing commitment to quality education through early intervention programmes and the establishment of rural learning centres.
He revealed that more than 200 projects to rebuild and upgrade dilapidated schools have been approved under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aimed at providing a conducive learning environment across urban and rural areas.
Infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of 16 bridges, the Pan Borneo Highway, and coastal road networks, were also cited as key milestones in narrowing the rural-urban development gap.
He also acknowledged the efforts of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in enhancing community welfare through initiatives in education, health and the preservation of Dayak arts and traditions.
With festive travel expected to increase, Wan Junaidi reminded the people to be cautious and responsible on the roads, citing a recent fatal crash involving members of the Federal Reserve Unit in Teluk Intan as a reminder for motorists to adhere to traffic regulations and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
“Celebrate in moderation and put safety first – for the well-being of your families and our society,” he said.
He called on Sarawakians to continue fostering unity and building a prosperous future together.
