BINTULU, May 12 — The Dayak community has been called on to avoid wasteful spending and excessive alcohol consumption during the upcoming Gawai Dayak festival.
In making the call, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the festival should instead be celebrated in a moderate and meaningful manner.
He pointed out that Gawai is traditionally a time for family and friends to come together in thanksgiving and to share joy.
He cautioned that the celebration should not be reduced to drinking sessions that might harm one’s health and wellbeing.
“It is not just about excessive drinking. What’s more important is strengthening bonds among family members and relatives, especially those who have not seen each other for a long time,” he said when officiating at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kakus’ Ngabang Gawai Bersama Timbalan Premier here last night.
Uggah emphasised that the true meaning of Gawai Dayak goes beyond festivities and merrymaking.
“It is also an occasion to preserve and showcase cultural heritage and strengthen familial ties within the longhouse community,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of traditional elements such as ngajat, traditional music, and poetic art forms such as beramban and bepantun, which are unique to the Iban and wider Dayak community.
“During Gawai, the Dayak community has a valuable opportunity to revive traditional arts and performances that are rarely seen today,” he added.
Uggah also stressed that Gawai can serve as an effective platform to attract both domestic and international tourists by showcasing the rich and colourful cultural traditions of the Dayak community. — The Borneo Post
