KUCHING: Dayaks from Sarawak plan to make the Land of the Hornbill more prominent on the world map.
Nearly 100 of them will don their unique traditional attire, especially the ‘sirat’ (loincloth), when they board a flight from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur on May 18 for the Borneo Native Festival.
Group leader, Peter John Jaban said that would the second time they were wearing the ‘sirat’ during a flight.
In April last year, about 60 members of the group also wore the ‘sirat’ when they travelled to Kota Kinabalu.
“This time, there will be about 92 or more of us travelling barefoot and wearing the ‘sirat’ and we aim to surpass the first record.
“Many Malaysians and the neighbouring countries are fully supporting this – its shock and awe tactic to put out Dayak identity in Malaysia context,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
On May 20, he said the group in their traditional costume would participate in the Traditional Cultural Parade from the Dataran Merdeka towards Central Market in Kuala Lumpur.
“For this visit, participants have bought tickets at their own expenses as this is a self-funded trip.
“However, we will accept and appreciate whatever contributions from the public, corporate bodies and even the relevant ministry,” he said.
On a related note, he said it was unfortunate to still see negative comments from certain quarters on the natives from Sarawak and Sabah. Hence, there was a need to create more awareness about the natives of the two Borneo states of Sarawak and Sabah.
“Whether we are Sarawakians or Sabahans, we are Malaysians too. Therefore, the goal of the visits is to raise awareness on Borneo indigenous heritage and the place of the community in modern Malaysian society.
“Several associations are involved in this programme, and each of them is committed to the preservation and public awareness of Dayak culture and customs. This visit will bring that culture to the nation’s capital,” he said.
The Borneo Native Festival, organised by Sukaseni, will showcase 70 vendors from Sabah and Sarawak, promoting handicrafts, food and beverages from the two Borneo states at the Central Market from May 20 to 22.
Those who wish to join the group in the trip may contact Peter at 016-8605272
