TATAU: The Persatuan Peminat Main Asal Iban Dayak (Pemanis) and Akademi Main Asal Dayak Bintulu emerged champions of the Niti Daun parade during the Tatau Festival.
They earned themselves a coveted cash prize of RM3,000.
Claiming the runner-up position was the Bagatan Pungen contingent, representing the Bagatan ethnic group, and they were awarded a cash prize of RM2,000.
The third spot went to the Kuala Tatau Bersatu contingent, a collective representation of four villages: Kampung Haji Ismail, Kampung Hilir Kuala Tatau, Kampung Nour Iman, and Kampung Seberang Jaya in Kuala Tatau. Their impressive performance secured a cash prize of RM1,000.
A total of 18 contingents, comprising around 1,500 participants representing various government agencies and non-governmental organisations from Tatau and Bintulu, participated in the Niti Daun parade that wound through Tatau town.
Notable figures present to witness the 3.5km parade, commencing from Pasar Baru Tatau to the Tatau Festival Main Stage, included Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department and Kakus assemblyman Datuk John Sikie Tayai and his wife, Datin Melia Gelen.
Additionally, Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Mona Octavia Sulai Albans Meling, Tatau District Officer, Jabang Juntan, and Tatau OCPD DSP Jame Reis attended the event.
The Tatau Festival’s array of activities successfully attracted around 3,000 local and foreign tourists. The festival not only showcased the cultural diversity of Sarawak’s Dayak community but also highlighted its unique traditions.
