MUKAH: Noreen Sakai,20, from Jalan Bayan Ulu here was crowned this year’s Mukah Kumang Gawai.
The first runner-up was an 18-year-old lass from Kampung Tellian Ulu, Eldilies Rio Remmy Ramai while the second runner-up was Maliana Maradi also 18 years old.
The Mukah Division contest was staged in conjunction with a Pre-Gawai Celebration ‘Mantar Gawai Dayak’ held at Kingwood Resort Mukah here last Saturday night.
It was jointly organised by Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Mukah Branch and Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Mukah Branch.
With the win, Noreen took home RM700, a trophy and a hamper while Eldilies received RM500, a trophy and a hamper. Malina received RM300, a trophy and a hamper.
The event also saw four finalists, Augin Bobby, Elfidia Remmy, Rossiana Tasha Antuh and Mariana walked away with the consolation prize of RM50 and a hamper each.
Prizes to the winners were presented by the Guest of Honour, Tellian Assemblyman, Yussibnosh Balo.
Meanwhile, Bulu Landak Group was the champion of the Betaboh and Ngajat competition. In second and third places were Bayan Tasek Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and Jarum Besi Group, respectively.
Besides, the traditional event (Betaboh and Ngajat) which was participated by seven groups from the area, other highlights of the night were Karaoke singing session and poco-poco dance in which Yussibnosh also joined in.
In his speech Yussibnosh hoped that the existing peace, unity and harmony among the various communities in Mukah and the state in general would continue to be maintained and upheld.
He also lauded SIDS and SDNU for organising the event which attracted more than 600 people from all walks of life.
During the event Yussibnosh also announced a RM10,000 grant for SDNU Mukah Branch and RM5,000 for SIDS Mukah Branch.
Balingian Assemblyman Abdul Yakub Haji Arbi who also spoke at the event announced a grant of RM10,000 from Member of Parliament for Mukah, Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Toyad to SDNU Mukah and RM5,000 from Yakub himself to SIDS Mukah.
Also present were Mukah Division Deputy Resident, Jack Aman Luat, Mukah District Officer, Shafrie Saili, Mukah District Police chief, DSP Jimmy Ak Panyau, heads of departments and local community leaders.
