KUCHING: Rumah Panjang Anyie Rajit in Matop, Betong, has once again been selected as the venue for the Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) Gawai Dayak Open House, scheduled for June 8. Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) president Audrey Wan Ulok said that the longhouse is renowned for its warm hospitality and authentic cultural experiences. “Rumah Anyie offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the Dayak community.
The highlight of the event will be the grand Gawai Parade in Betong town on Saturday morning, offering a vibrant showcase of Sarawak’s diverse cultures through colourful displays, traditional music and captivating performances.”
Audrey shared that visitors will have ample opportunities to sample authentic local cuisine, peruse handicrafts, and partake in traditional festivities that embody the spirit of Gawai Dayak. She also disclosed that the previous Gawai Dayak open house attracted 153 registered guests from Kuala Lumpur, Brunei, Singapore, and local Sarawakians.
The event served as a platform for cross-cultural exchange and celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Dayak people. “From the recent Gawai Dayak open house, STF has successfully brought 39 press, television crew, and social media influencers, with nine of them being foreign media representatives from Australia, China, the United States of America, Thailand, and Indonesia,” she shared during a press conference at The Space, ICUBE, Icom Square here yesterday. She commended the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak for their substantial support towards the event.
“This success would not be possible without support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. We are truly appreciative of the ministry commitment to supporting this open house with the tourism event grant. “The ministry’s support has not only contributed to STF but has also directly benefitted the four longhouses – Rh Anyie, Matop, Rh Veriland, Engkranji, Rh Edward, Batu Lintang, and Rh Galau, Nanga Jelau, Layar Betong.” Among those present at the event were Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu; director for Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak, Lena Buntal; State director of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak, Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus; and Temenggong Richard Mulok Entring from Rh Anyie.
