BY GILLVEN MIXCOLLIN
KUCHING: The Pertandingan Dayung Sangon and Dari Pogan 2024 are set to be the main attractions at the Gawai Dayak Carnival 2024 in the Serian Division from June 6-8.
Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, said the beauty pageant event is expected to draw a significant crowd, particularly from the local villages around Siburan.
“The main attractions are the Dayung Sangon and Dari Pogan competitions because they are unique features during Gawai,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after chairing the Gawai Dayak Carnival 2024 Serian Division meeting at the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) office here Monday (May 27).
The competition will start at 7pm and run until 11pm on June 6, culminating in the grand finale on June 8.
Jerip who also serves as the chairman of the Gawai Dayak Carnival 2024 Serian Division Committee added that there will be 40 food and craft booths featured throughout the carnival.
The food and drink bazaar, organised by the Department of Agriculture, will be held in the parking area of Dewan Manggeng, offering both halal and non-halal options, thereby providing an income opportunity for the local community.
He added that upskilling programmes would also be available for school leavers interested in various skills.
“We have invited higher education institutions such as Centexs and other local universities to set up booths and deliver educational talks.“We a
re involving secondary school students and Year Six pupils, with Yayasan Sarawak giving a talk on admissions to the Yayasan Sarawak International School.”
Additionally, the Sukan Rakyat competition, which includes blowpipe, catapult, and bamboo walking contests, will be held on June 8 at the Kampung Sungai Du’uh field.
Also present were Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Gawai Dayak Carnival 2024 Serian Division Committee, and Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, President of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA).
