KUCHING: This year’s state-level Gawai celebration highlights the importance of modernising paddy farming practices, according to Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, chairman of the event organising committee.
He stressed the deep-rooted connection between paddy cultivation, integral to Dayak communities, and the annual harvest festival, Gawai Dayak.
“This connection forms the essence of our celebration. Simultaneously, the Sarawak government is leading the charge in transforming food production, particularly in paddy cultivation.”
Sagah, who is also the Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, made these remarks during a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) building here on Friday (May 10).
He pointed out that embracing cutting-edge technology is crucial as Sarawak aims for self-sufficiency and strives to become a leading exporter of rice.
“The Gawai Dayak festivities yield positive impacts on both society and the nation, fostering education and cultural understanding, preserving and promoting cultural heritage, facilitating community development and entrepreneurship, and advocating for environmental management and conservation.”
Earlier, Sagah outlined five major events scheduled for May and June to share the joy and significance of the Gawai celebration with all Malaysians and visitors.
“One of the key events is the publication of eBook and coffee table book on Gawai Dayak 2024, expected to launch on Sept 16 in Sri Aman. However, the exact date will be announced later.”
Regarding the release of the coffee table book, Sagah highlighted several significant initiatives, including exploration and immersion within the three Dayak communities—Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu—to develop new Gawai tourism products.
“Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Tourism Sarawak have collaborated to repackage various Gawai-related products into tourism offerings for regional and global marketing.”
He noted that the Bidayuh and Orang Ulu packages were crafted by BESarawak, while the Iban package was formulated by the Sarawak Tourism Federation, catering to leisure tourists.
The other four main events include Gawai Dayak Bazaar, scheduled from May 16 to 26 at MJC New Township, Batu Kawa; Gawai Dayak Carnival, from June 6 to 8 at Dewan Manggeng, Siburan; Gawai Dayak Cultural Parade on June 15 from the Tun Jugah building to Kuching Waterfront; and Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner on June 22 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
