Future Gawai Dayak celebrations should be held in locations, such as longhouses, to better reflect Dayak identity, proposes Dr Rundi

BINTULU, May 3 2026: A Sarawak minister has proposed that future Gawai Dayaks celebrations should be held in locations that better reflect the identity of the Dayak community, such as longhouses.

Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development  Dr Stephen Rundi Utom (picture) said this approach is vital to ensure the community's cultural heritage continues to be preserved.

He said organising events in more authentic locations can elevate traditional values, including cultural elements such as Kumang and Keling, as well as customs related to Gawai.

"In the future, I hope Gawai celebrations can be held in locations that better reflect the community's identity, such as longhouses or our own places, rather than as they are now.

"We need to think of the future so that our culture remains preserved, including heritage such as Kumang, Keling, and various customs and activities associated with Gawai," he yesterday.

He was speaking at the Pengerami Ngabang Gawai Begulai Enggau Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas, organised by the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kakus Branch here.

Dr Rundie, who also Kemena State Legislative Member (SLM), added that the Gawai celebration is not merely a festival but serves as a platform for the community to assess their achievements throughout the year, where the community should evaluate the results of their efforts, whether they have gained profit or otherwise, and take steps toward improvement to ensure continuous proress.

"We cannot become complacent with current conditions; instead, we must constantly challenge ourselves to compete in various fields, including education, employment, and the economy.

"If others can succeed, we are also capable of achieving it through hard work and high spirits," he remarked.

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Law and Native Customs) Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Senator Michael Mujah Lihan, Selangau Member of Parliament Edwin Banta, Jepak Assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, Bintulu Division Resident Nyurak Keti, Tatau District Officer Calvin Ligong Bujang @ Endawie, and Sebauh District Officer Thadeus Ling Bartholomew Allu.

41yo woman killed, two others injured in a car-lorry collision in Long Laput, Baram

MARUDI, May 3 2026: A 41-year old woman was killed when a car she was driving collided with a 10-ton lorry laden with oil palm  fruits at Simpang Long Laput, 6km from Long Lama, Baram, late this morning.

Caption: The lorry, loaded with oil palm fruits, collides with the car that kills a woman and injures two others.

Marudi Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said the woman died on the spot while  a 19-year old woman passenger and four-year old boy were injured in the 11.30am accident.

The lorry driver, a 46-year old man, escaped unhurt.

The department said the deceased was trapped in the driver's seat and was confirmed dead by the Ministry of Health (MoH) personnel while the two injured victims were taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital before the fire department arrived.

The deceased was handed over to the police for further action.

After completing the operation and ensuring the situation was safe, the vehicle and personnel returned to the station.

Community awareness is vital in shaping a more caring, understanding needs of senior citizens, says Teck Wan

KUCHING, May 2 2026: Community awareness is vital in shaping a more caring, understanding and responsible attitude toward the needs of the elderly, Political Secretary to Sarawak’s Premier Kho Teck Wan has emphasised.

Kho Teck Wan says that rising number of senior citizens also carries financial implications as the number of taxpayers decreases while healthcare costs continue to rise. 

She said acceptance and understanding of the changes experienced by the elderly will help foster a more compassionate and inclusive society.

“We need to understand that as they age, they require more attention and support.

“When there is awareness, we do not easily feel pressured, instead, we are better prepared to help,” she said at the senior citizen health awarenss programme: Age Well With Growing Resilience and Cognitive Empowerment (GRACE) at Tropics City Kuching today.

Representing Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian, Kho said Sarawak is expected to be among the first states to reach ageing society status in Malaysia, with rural areas experiencing faster ageing rates due to the migration of youth to cities.

She added that the rising number of senior citizens also carries financial implications as the number of taxpayers decreases while healthcare costs continue to rise.

In relation to this, she noted that the Sarawak government has implemented several initiatives, including the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC), which offers discounts on daily necessities, pharmacy services, and health screenings.

Kho added the state  government has implemented the Senior Citizens Health Benefit (SCHB) scheme, providing an annual credit of RM500 to eligible individuals aged 60 and above to obtain basic treatment at private clinics and dental services.

She emphasised that the responsibility of caring for the elderly does not rest solely on the government but requires the involvement of the entire community.

Also in attendance was Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Wee Hong Seng.