MUKAH (April 28): The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi graced the ‘Majlis Keman Kaul Mukah 2025’ yesterday. Their arrival at 10.35am was welcomed by Deputy Economy Minister and Mukah MP Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib and Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine. The Head of State and his wife, who were accompanied by Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, were treated to a traditional Melanau dance performance before they interacted with the local community at the ‘kaul’ (gathering) site in Pantai Kala Dana. Among the other dignitaries present were Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Sarawak Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Coordinator for Regional Development Agency, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Igan MP Ahmad Johnie Zawawi, and Mukah Resident Datu Kueh Lei Poh. According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the dignitaries’ procession was accompanied by the ‘seraheng’ – a symbolic tradition marking the start of the Kaul celebration. The term ‘Keman,’ which translates to ‘to eat,’ symbolises the spirit of communal dining or ‘berambeh’, emphasising unity and closer ties between Sarawak leaders and the Mukah community. During the ceremony, Wan Junaidi also presented awards to winners of the Kaul Mukah 2025 Community Booth Competition and later, toured the booths and exhibition stalls. Meanwhile, in her remarks, Hanifah said the festival’s sales stalls provided a valuable opportunity for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products to a broader audience. “This is an excellent chance for the local community to fully benefit, particularly by attracting more visitors from outside Mukah to the festival. “Moreover, the event provides a meaningful platform for fostering stronger bonds and unity between leaders and the community. “The Keman Kaul ceremony symbolises appreciation and celebrates the strong ties between leaders and the people, particularly within the Mukah community,” she said.  

MIRI (April 26): Miri is set to come alive this June with a two-day Dayak Cultural Carnival led by the Orang Ulu community, celebrating the rich traditions and talents of the Dayak people. Scheduled for either June 13 or 14, the carnival will feature a state-level Dayak Beauty Pageant (for both women and men), a Sape group competition, and traditional games such as a blowpipe contest. Organising chairman and Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau said preparations are progressing smoothly, with the final programme to be confirmed after a meeting on April 27. “The community’s strong support is very encouraging, and hopefully the prizes will help attract more participants,” he said during the launch of the 19th Miri Division Gawai Dayak Celebration’s Dayak Songs Karaoke Contest 2025 at Boulevard Shopping Mall here today. The karaoke competition saw 16 participants competing for the champion title. Both the champion and runner-up will perform during the finals of the Miri Divisional Gawai Kumang, Keligit, Dayung Sangon, and Keling Contest on May 25. In his speech, Dennis praised the evolution of Gawai Dayak celebrations in Miri, noting how they have grown from simple dinners into full-fledged festivals featuring activities such as blood donation drives and children’s art competitions. He also called on all communities to continue fostering unity and harmony. “No matter our background, unity must come first,” he said. As part of his commitment to supporting local talent, Dennis pledged RM10,000 towards the Dayak Karaoke Contest.  

BELAGA (April 23): Construction of the Apau Koyan Cultural Heritage Site, aimed at preserving and celebrating the Orang Ulu community’s cultural identity, took a significant step forward with its groundbreaking ceremony yesterday. Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, who officiated at the ceremony, said the initiative showed the Sarawak government’s dedication to rural development, focusing not just on infrastructure but also on human capital development and the empowerment of local culture. “The Cultural Heritage Site is envisioned as a vibrant centre for cultural education, tourism, and community activities. “It will serve to preserve the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the Orang Ulu, including traditional crafts, dances, language, and customs, for generations to come,” he said. Chukpai shared his strong support for the project, recognising its role in strengthening community bonds while fostering new economic opportunities in areas such as cultural tourism, handicrafts, and performing arts. Among those present at the event were Kapit Resident Elvis Didit, Bintulu Deputy Resident Abang Zainudin Abang Turkey, and Belaga District Officer Bidah Lujah.  

MUKAH (April 21): The younger generation, particularly of the Melanau community, has been urged to preserve and carry forward the legacy of ‘Kaul’, a festive tradition that embodies unity, cultural identity, and environmental reverence. Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah emphasised that Pesta Kaul is not just an annual celebration, but a deeply rooted cultural expression of gratitude and harmony with nature. “Kaul represents our heritage and the profound relationship between the Melanau people and the environment,” she said in her speech at the Pesta Kaul Oya sub-district celebration, held at Tapak Kaul, Pantai Kuala Hilir Oya, yesterday. “This reflects how we have preserved identity across generations,” she emphasised. The Dalat assemblywoman highlighted ongoing development projects tied to the Kaul celebration, including the ‘Lebuk Kaul Oya’ and Batang Oya River Corridor, which were poised to enhance the area’s appeal as a cultural and tourism destination. She also shared updates on key development projects, including the Kuala Hilir Oya coastal erosion project which was completed in November 2023, spearheaded by the federal Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability at a cost of RM14.48 million. Fatimah also revealed that the RM4 million extension project for Kampung Kuala Hilir, Oya is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of this year, under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA). “Further development of the Pesta Kaul site itself is also in the pipeline, and the project consultant has already been appointed,” she remarked. Estimated at RM14 million and led by RADDA, she said the initiative would feature a covered main hall and stage, viewing decks, ‘glamping’ sites, beach games courts, alfresco dining areas, and more. Present at the event were Mukah Resident Datu Kueh Lei Poh, Dalat District officer Mathew Hubert, and community leaders Penghulu Pawi Ramli and Temenggong Hendi Suhai.  

MIRI (April 19): The effort by Sarawak Chinese Association (SCA) through its ‘Discovering Sarawak Ethnic Crafts’ book collection has been lauded for creating a lasting legacy that could be passed down through generations. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah hails the collection as more than just a publication. “It is a powerful act of preservation that shines a light on the remarkable creativity and unwavering resilience of local indigenous artisans. “The pre-launch of ‘Discovering Sarawak Ethnic Crafts’ book collection marks a significant milestone in our efforts to document and preserve the intricate crafts of our indigenous communities. “The compilations serve as a testament to the creativity and resilience of our artisans, whose works are integral to Sarawak’s cultural identity,” said Abdul Karim in his remarks for the pre-launch held at a hotel here on Friday. The minister’s speech was delivered by Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala. Abdul Karim also emphasised that by chronicling these traditional crafts, it would ensure that future generations could appreciate and continue these time-honoured practices. According to SCA president Harry Lee, the book is a compilation of the handicrafts exhibited at the Cultural Village during last year’s ‘Taste of Borneo Cultural Carnival’. “The 504 exhibited ethnic handicraft pieces had earned us a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (Mybor) for the ‘Most Ethnic Handicrafts Exhibited’. “Now, we have compiled this record-setting achievement into a book to showcase Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage to the world,” said Lee, adding that the book would soon be widely available at airports, the offices of Malaysian embassies abroad, tourism centres, museums, schools and libraries. “The publication aims to draw the attention of both the international community and Malaysian public, to strengthen cultural identity in Sarawak and promote tourism that focuses on cultural heritage.” In his speech, Abdul Karim said with SCA spearheading the initiative with its ‘Taste of Borneo Cultural Carnival’, he would be looking forward to seeing more of such events in Miri, and also expressed his wish for the annual ‘Sarawak Unity Festival’ to become a reality. “I have no doubt that with the energy and dedication we’ve seen from the Sa Hwa (SCA) under the leadership of event ambassador Dato Hii King Chiong and president Harry Lee, as well as the other 19 ethnic associations, the festival can become a cornerstone of Sarawak’s cultural calendar, further amplifying the message of unity that Sarawak government so effectively champion.” Apart from the pre-launch, the Friday night event also held the installation and swearing-in ceremony of SCA’s main committee, youth wing and women section for the 2025-2027 term.

BINTULU (April 18): The traditional art of ‘pua kumbu’ weaving using the ‘tanchang’ technique has been revived through a three-day workshop, attracting 10 young participants eager to master the intricate art. Held at Hermy Borneo Studio Bintulu, the workshop began on Tuesday and concluded yesterday. It was organised by the Sarawak Craft Council as part of an ongoing initiative to preserve and pass down traditional heritage. According to the head of the Industry Development and Research & Development (R&D) Unit at the Sarawak Craft Council Jessielia Paulynna Langit, said the programme is part of the government’s effort to sustain this fading art form. “This workshop is led by two experienced instructors, Sandin Ikang and Jatai Unggat, both of whom have extensive expertise in ‘pua kumbu’ weaving,” she said. She noted that the production of traditional ‘pua kumbu’ in Bintulu has declined significantly and is at risk of vanishing. “The three-day workshop aims to nurture new talents, ensuring that this priceless heritage continues to thrive. “What I observed in this first group of 10 participants is their dedication and enthusiasm in producing ‘pua kumbu’, which is a promising start,” she added. She stressed that the traditional crafts, like ‘pua kumbu’, will continue to be promoted, provided there is strong support from the local community.  

TATAU (April 17): The locals must utilise their craftsmanship to generate supplementary income for families, said Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai. He said that to get access to resources and marketing opportunities, craft practitioners must register with the Sarawak Craft Council and Malaysia Craft Council. “Crafting, if not continued, will disappear with time,” Sikie said during the closing ceremony of the Community Empowerment Programme @UniMadani Phase 2 organised by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) at Rumah Banyang, Rantau Aur, Tekalit Tatau recently. The Kakus assemblyman said the programme should continue with funding channeled by the Ministry of Finance, especially in the Kakus area, and involve various communities including the Malays, Melanau, Iban, Chinese, Orang Ulu, and others who are rich in craftsmanship. The event, which showcased bamboo craft sustainability in Nanga Tekalit, highlighted the pivotal role of preserving traditional artistry in modern times. According to him, craftsmanship presents a viable means for rural households ― especially women ― to contribute to the family income. “Many housewives who take care of their children or grandchildren should use their time to earn side income by creating various crafts, whether from beads, bamboo, or other forest resources,” he said. He also encouraged the use of online platforms, leveraging the area’s improved internet connectivity to reach both national and international markets. Earlier, Unimas Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry, Community and Sustainability Network), Professor Noraziah Abdul Wahab, said as a Community-Driven University, Unimas is committed to its mission to serve and contribute to community development. “Our university is located in the heart of Borneo ― the richest site in the world for biodiversity and indigenous knowledge. “This advantage makes Unimas a leader in empowering communities, fostering creativity, and pioneering innovations for a more sustainable world,” she said. The ‘Kraf Bagiau Project’ was selected as one of the initiatives under the Public University Community Empowerment Programme (Community@UniMADANI) by the Ministry of Finance. The programme also celebrated Unimas’s active role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Dayak community. Through hands-on workshops, local artisans were trained to combine traditional bamboo weaving techniques with modern designs, ensuring competitiveness in contemporary markets. Additionally, Unimas introduced sustainable bamboo harvesting practices and supported branding and online marketing efforts. During the event, Sikie announced a Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant of RM20,000 for the Rumah Banyang Village Security and Development Committee. Unimas also contributed a bamboo splitting and slicing machine to assist local craftsmen in enhancing productivity. For the record, the Tekalit community actively engages in craft production, not only using Engkalat bamboo but also bemban, rattan, wood, and more. Among the products created are beadwork, ‘burie’ cloth, ‘sintung’, mats, ‘tangi biru’, ‘kedapi’, ‘ma’, ‘raga’, ‘lanji’, ‘sumpit’, ‘baju gagung’, baskets, and more.  

KUCHING: Buku Gawai Dayak Coffee Table Book 2024 telah dilancarkan secara rasmi bagi mendokumentasikan warisan budaya dan sejarah perayaan Gawai Dayak untuk tatapan generasi akan datang. Demikian kata Menteri Pendidikan, Inovasi dan Pembangunan Bakat Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn ketika mewakili Timbalan Premier Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, malam semalam. Beliau pada masa yang sama menyifatkan buku tersebut sebagai pencapaian penting dalam memastikan semangat Gawai terus dihayati dan diwarisi. “Buku ini bukan sekadar koleksi gambar tetapi satu penghormatan kepada tradisi, dokumentasi budaya dan legasi untuk masa depan,” katanya semasa Majlis Apresiasi Gawai Dayak 2024 dan pelancaran buku berkenaan malam semalam. Beliau menekankan bahawa Gawai bukan sekadar perayaan tetapi juga melambangkan warisan, perpaduan dan kebanggaan masyarakat Dayak. Buku ini akan menjadi rujukan penting bagi generasi muda dalam memahami budaya dan sejarah Gawai, tegasnya. Turut hadir adalah Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier Sarawak (Undang-Undang dan Adat Bumiputera) merangkap Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Bukit Goram Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier Sarawak (Buruh, Imigresen dan Pemantaun Projek) Datuk Gerawat Gala. Juga Timbalan Menteri Pengangkutan Sarawak Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Timbalan Menteri Utiliti dan Telekomunikasi Datuk Liwan Lagang, Ahli Parlimen Puncak Borneo Datuk Willie Mongin serta beberapa pemimpin tempatan yang lain.  

KUCHING: Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg menekankan keyakinannya terhadap generasi muda sebagai peneraju masa depan Sarawak selepas era Strategi Pembangunan Pasca COVID-19 (PCDS) tamat pada 2030. Beliau yakin bahawa generasi pelapis negeri ini berupaya meneruskan dasar-dasar yang telah dibina, malah bersedia menyesuaikan Sarawak dengan cabaran baharu dunia yang semakin kompleks. Ini katanya, termasuk keupayaan untuk membaca perubahan global, menyesuaikan dasar tenaga dan memanfaatkan sumber negeri dengan lebih strategik. “Ada lima tahun lagi sebelum 2030, tetapi Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) dan Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) mesti ada pemimpin pelapis untuk memastikan kesinambungan dan kemajuan negeri. “Selepas PCDS 2030 juga, apa yang akan berlaku, saya serahkan kepada anda iaitu generasi muda; anda adalah pelapis yang akan mengorak langkah membawa Sarawak ke era baharu yang lebih mencabar,” katanya. Beliau berkata demikian ketika menjawab soalan daripada salah seorang mahasiswa dari Politeknik Kuching yang bertanya mengenai hala tuju negeri selepas tamatnya PCDS pada 2030, dalam sesi Townhall 8 Tahun bersama YAB Premier Sarawak di Hikmah Exchange pada malam tadi. Dalam mengakui anak muda Sarawak mempunyai berbakat besar dalam memacu pembangunan negeri, Abang Johari menegaskan bahawa bakat ini hanya akan dapat digunakan dengan sebaik mungkin sekiranya ekonomi dan pendidikan diperkasakan. Ketibaan Abang Johari disambut mesra oleh Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier Sarawak (Hal Ehwal Korporat, Penerangan dan UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol. – Gambar UKAS  “Banyak anak Sarawak yang pintar memilih untuk bekerja di luar negara kerana ekonomi kita tidak sesuai dengan apa yang mereka pelajari.  “Justeru, kita mesti tingkatkan ekonomi ke satu tahap sehingga membolehkan anak Sarawak yang bijak ini kembali dan berkhidmat,” katanya. Abang Johari menambah, kerajaan GPS berusaha menyediakan pendidikan percuma di universiti milik kerajaan negeri kerana beliau yakin langkah ini akan melahirkan generasi pelapis yang berkualiti, sekali gus membantu meningkatkan taraf hidup masyarakat dan mengeluarkan mereka daripada kepompong kemiskinan. Menyedari potensi anak Sarawak, beliau turut berkongsi pengalamannya memberikan dermasiswa kepada pelajar daripada keluarga kurang mampu di Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), yang akhirnya berjaya dalam jurusan strategik seperti kejuruteraan dan kewangan.  “Saya berikan bursary (dermasiswa), rupa-rupanya, mereka mengambil jurusan strategik seperti kewangan, perakaunan, dan kejuruteraan, dan mereka lulus.  “Apabila terdapat majlis konvokesyen sekitar dua tahun lepas, seorang ibu dan bapa berjumpa saya dan menzahirkan ucapan 'Terima kasih YAB, kalau tidak ada bursary, mungkin anak saya bukan seorang jurutera dari kampung’. “Rentetan itu, saya bertekad untuk memberikan pendidikan percuma kepada anak Sarawak yang melanjutkan pelajaran di universiti negeri menjelang 2026, sebagai usaha untuk memperkasa generasi muda Sarawak dan seterusnya meningkatkan peluang ekonomi,” katanya.   

KUCHING (June 12): A group of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Sarawak has urged the federal government to recognise Gawai Dayak on June 1 in Sarawak and Kaamatan on May 30 in Sabah as national public holidays. They say such recognition fits the ‘Malaysia Madani’ concept and gives an impression of better treatment from the federal government towards Sabah and Sarawak. “We ask that, on the basis of equality, Gawai and Kaamatan for the indigenous peoples of Sarawak and Sabah be declared as national holidays.” The statement was signed by Persatuan Intelektual Pribumi Sarawak founder and advisor Wellie Henry Majang, deputy president Ricky Sani, and legal advisor Paul Raja; Persatuan Terabai Menua Sarawak founder Wilfred Nissem; and Sarawak Salako and Rara Community Association president Robert Umping. They stressed that there is a need to recognise the two celebrations because the key principle of the Malaysian Federation, as outlined in the Federal Constitution, was to celebrate the diversity of its various races, religions, cultures and regions. “Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem recently emphasised the unique and crucial role of Sarawak and Sabah in the federation, asserting that without these states, there would be no Malaysia. “Echoing Riot’s sentiment, we would like to highlight the importance of safeguarding the special rights of the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak, as guaranteed by Article 153(1) of the Federal Constitution,” the NGOs said.