Latest news with #DayakCulture
Malay Mail
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Colour, culture and calls for rights as Dayak parade lights up Kuching
KUCHING, June 22 — Dressed in colourful costumes, some sporting feathered headgear and traditional swords, several thousand of Malaysia's ethnic Dayak people paraded in the streets of Sarawak state on Borneo island yesterday to celebrate the end of the rice harvest season. The Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade in state capital Kuching is the only annual gathering by representatives of around 11 of Sarawak's main Dayak groups — which participants said helps to keep alive a unique part of the Southeast Asian nation's culture. Marchers gathered from early Saturday under the blistering tropical sun, many of them travelling long distances by bus to walk in the parade along the banks of the Sarawak River. 'This gathering is something that is very important to me,' said Joel Zacchaeus Anak Ebi, sporting the traditional Iban headgear worn by one of Borneo's best-known tribes. People 'must know and realise that Sarawak has traditions and cultures that must be preserved,' he told AFP ahead of the march, which was also attended by Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg. Indigenous Iban men gather during the Gawai Dayak Culture Parade in Kuching, Sarawak, on June 21, 2025.— AFP pic 'A day like this brings our people together, especially the younger people, who can easily lose touch with their roots when they move away from Sarawak,' said Dayak village elder Ngindang Rambo, 61. Watching the parade, Masha Timosha, 34, a tour guide from Russia, said she was amazed by the costumes and atmosphere. 'This is just very impressive. I even have my own Sarawakian costume but I didn't put it on,' she told AFP. Malaysia's Dayak people are mainly riverine and hill-dwelling, made up of dozens of ethnic groups, each with their own distinct dialect, customs, laws and practices. Indigenous Iban women gather for the Gawai Dayak Culture Parade in Kuching, Sarawak, on June 21, 2025. — AFP pic Dayak communities, however, have become increasingly under threat from encroaching palm oil forestry and industrial logging, human rights groups and Indigenous organisations have said. Many Indigenous communities in Sarawak face challenges in accessing basic services, Human Rights Watch said in a statement last month, including access to running water, electricity and land titles. Local groups and international observers have also called on the government to 'urgently legislate Indigenous customs and traditions through which Indigenous people have acquired rights to their lands, territories and resources,' the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) said last year. Rainforest-clad Borneo is the world's third-largest island and is shared between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. — AFP
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Malaysia's Dayaks mark rice harvest end with colourful parade
Dressed in colourful costumes, some sporting feathered headgear and traditional swords, several thousand of Malaysia's ethnic Dayak people paraded in the streets of Sarawak state on Borneo island Saturday to celebrate the ending of the rice harvest season. The Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade in state capital Kuching is the only annual gathering by representatives of around 11 of Sarawak's main Dayak groups -- which participants said helps to keep alive a unique part of the Southeast Asian nation's culture. Marchers gathered from early Saturday under the blistering tropical sun, many of them travelling long distances by bus to walk in the parade along the banks of the Sarawak River. "This gathering is something that is very important to me," said Joel Zacchaeus Anak Ebi, sporting the traditional Iban headgear worn by one of Borneo's best-known tribes. People "must know and realise that Sarawak has traditions and cultures that must be preserved," he told AFP ahead of the march, which was also attended by Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg. "A day like this brings our people together, especially the younger people, who can easily lose touch with their roots when they move away from Sarawak," said Dayak village elder Ngindang Rambo, 61. Watching the parade, Masha Timosha, 34, a tour guide from Russia, said she was amazed by the costumes and atmosphere. "This is just very impressive. I even have my own Sarawakian costume but I didn't put it on," she told AFP. Malaysia's Dayak people are mainly riverine and hill-dwelling, made up of dozens of ethnic groups, each with their own distinct dialect, customs, laws and practices. Dayak communities however have become increasingly under threat from encroaching palm oil forestry and industrial logging, human rights groups and Indigenous groups have said. Many Indigenous communities in Sarawak face challenges in accessing basic services, Human Rights Watch said in a statement last month, including access to running water, electricity and land titles. Local groups and international observers have also called on the government to "urgently legislate Indigenous customs and traditions through which Indigenous people have acquired rights to their lands, territories and resources," the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) said last year. Rainforest-clad Borneo is the world's third-largest island and is shared between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. jhe/jfx
Free Malaysia Today
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Spirit of Hari Gawai burns bright in Betong, Sarawak
Participants of the Betong Gawai Dayak Parade included children in traditional attire. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : During the festive season of Gawai, the tranquil town of Betong in Sarawak comes alive in a vibrant display of culture and community spirit. FMT Lifestyle recently visited the Sarawak heartlands during the harvest festival upon invitation of the Sarawak Tourism Board. The highlight of the trip was the Betong Gawai Dayak Parade, which kicked off at the town's sports complex on the morning of June 7. Themed 'Mujur Mansang Segulai Sejalai', which translates to 'Progressing Together in Unity and Harmony', the event was a beautiful showcase of Dayak culture, with men, women and children dressed in striking and vibrantly coloured traditional attire. The parade was attended by Betong MP Richard Rapu and youth, sports and entrepreneur development deputy minister Gerald Rentap Jabu. Members of the Dayak Bukit Kelingkang contingent. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) Over 1,500 people comprising 18 contingents from Betong and Sri Aman – ranging from primary schoolchildren to community leaders and civil servants – took part in the event, which was also a competition that saw winners receiving cash, trophies and certificates. Participants embarked on a lively 1.8km walk through the town, starting at the sports complex and concluding at the nearby Panglima Rentap Hall. Feathered and 'sugu tinggi' headdresses, woven 'pua kumbu' skirts, beads, tattoos and crafted shields were all on proud display in a dazzling celebration of Dayak heritage that turned the streets into a living tapestry. Over 1,500 people from 18 contingents took part in the parade. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) Some contingents featured elaborate floats depicting hornbills, longhouses and other symbols of traditional Dayak life. Others had musicians playing tunes on the sape, drums, and other instruments. Once the parade concluded, it was time for the victors to be announced. Cheers filled the air as the contingent from SMK Saribas was declared the overall champion for the third year running, having wowed the crowds with their colourful costumes. As overall champion, the 200-member-strong school contingent received a RM10,000 cash prize, as well as a trophy and certificates. They also won a RM3,000 first prize in a separate category. Men in traditional outfits making their way through the Engkeranji longhouse as part of Sarawak Tourism Federation's open house. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) The celebrations continued that evening with a visit to the Sarawak Tourism Federation's open house, which took place at Rumah Veriland @ Rumah Panjang Engkeranji, a contemporary longhouse located close by. This offered was an opportunity for guests to experience Sarawakian hospitality at its finest, with the inhabitants of the 29-door longhouse graciously inviting visitors to try traditional delicacies such as 'manok pansoh' and 'umai'. Of course, what's a celebration without a bit of tuak? Guests also witnessed Dayak traditions such as a 'ngajat' dance and a traditional 'miring' ritual offering ceremony. Visitors were treated to a warm and wonderful time during the open house. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) Dance, music, and other forms of merriment ruled the rest of the night during the Gawai Kaamatan Concert 2025, which featured a unique fusion of Dayak cultural elements from both Sabah and Sarawak. Talents including singer Melissa Francis, sape player Jerry Kamit, and members of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Sarawak took the stage. A spirited fireworks display marked a vibrant and memorable close to the festivities. All in all, Betong may not be as well known as other parts of Sarawak such as Kuching or Miri, but the energy and friendliness of its people make the town a definite must-visit. This is especially the case during the Gawai month, when traditions feel truly alive and heartfelt.
Malay Mail
31-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
‘More than a harvest festival': In Gawai message, Wan Junaidi calls on Sarawakians to honour heritage and prioritise education
KUCHING, May 31 — Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the Dayak community to preserve their rich cultural traditions while continuing to prioritise education as a key driver of development, as they return to their villages to celebrate Gawai Dayak. He said Gawai is not merely a harvest festival, but a powerful symbol of unity, gratitude and cultural pride. 'Each year on June 1, the Dayak community gathers to honour the fruits of their labour, strengthen family ties, and pass down traditions that reflect the values of togetherness, mutual respect and harmony,' he said in his Gawai Dayak message today. Recalling the historical significance of Gawai, which was officially recognised as a state celebration in 1965, Wan Junaidi paid tribute to the visionary leaders who championed the recognition of Dayak heritage. 'It is through traditions like 'ngajat', 'ai pengayu', and the communal spirit of 'gotong-royong' that we see the timeless values that continue to define us,' he said. Underscoring the importance of education in navigating the globalised and technologically advanced world, he lauded the Sarawak government's ongoing efforts to improve educational access and infrastructure, especially in rural areas. 'Various initiatives have been implemented to boost literacy rates and academic performance, including early intervention programmes and the establishment of learning guidance centres. 'It is my hope that parents continue to emphasise the importance of education to empower their children to succeed and build a brighter future,' he said. He revealed that over 200 projects to rebuild and upgrade dilapidated schools have been approved under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, reinforcing the state's commitment to equitable access to quality education. Wan Junaidi also acknowledged the vital role of infrastructure in bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas. 'The construction of 16 bridges, alongside the ongoing Pan Borneo Highway and coastal road network, stands as clear proof of the government's commitment to bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas,' he said. He further commended non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for their active role in supporting communities through educational aid, free health campaigns, and initiatives to preserve Dayak arts and customs. 'These partnerships are integral to building a more inclusive and resilient society,' he added. As Sarawakians return to their villages for the festive season, he reminded road users to travel responsibly and to prioritise safety. 'With better and more comfortable road networks such as the Pan Borneo Highway, let us not misuse these facilities as race tracks. 'Safety must come first, better to arrive late than never. 'I also urge all drivers to be courteous and always abide by traffic rules and regulations. Ensure that your vehicles are in good and safe condition, including tyre checks, brake systems, alignment, and steering. 'Before leaving, make sure your homes are securely locked and all electrical supplies are turned off to prevent unwanted incidents,' he said. He also expressed condolences and called for reflection following the recent tragic road accident involving the Federal Reserve Unit (PSP) in Teluk Intan, Perak. 'We must take this as a solemn reminder of the need to uphold safety and responsibility at all times,' he said. Wan Junaidi urged all Sarawakians to protect harmony, strengthen unity, and work together towards a prosperous future. 'Let us celebrate Gawai with joy, moderation and a strong sense of community spirit. ''Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Nguan Menua!' he added. — The Borneo Post
