KUCHING: A total of 3,300 participants from 110 contingents are expected to take part in this year’s state level Gawai Dayak Parade on June 15.
Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang said this year’s parade is the biggest for this cultural event with the Kadazandusun community based in Sarawak also joining in.
“Three contingents from the Kadazandusun community including two Unduk Ngadau will fly specially from Sabah to join us for this parade.”
Billy also said that the parade will feature 14 cultural floats involving around 140 participants.
In the press conference that was held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) media room he said the event will start at the Tun Jugah Building for the ‘Pisien’ ceremony.
“The purpose of the ceremony is to ask for blessings for the event and it will be done by the Temenggong Atok Derop from the Bidayuh community.”
The parade will commence at the Tun Jugah building and conclude at the Kuching Waterfront, covering a distance of less than 1.3 kilometres.
According to Billy prizes are in store for the winning contingents.
“Previously there was only one contingent that won but this year there will be three winners, the first placed contingent will win RM 10,000, second place RM7,000 and RM5,000 for third placing,” he said, adding a special committee will choose the winners.
The parade will also feature the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans via a ‘Bujang Berani’ contingent.
He said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will be the guest of honour at the cultural event.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Seri Roland Sagah will lead the parade which will also feature performances by local artistes.
