Gawai Dayak ngiling tikai is a cultural event, an important platform in strengthening racial understanding, says deputy minister

KUCHING, June 15 2026: Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew described Gawai Ngiling Tikai festival as not just a cultural event for the Dayak community, but also serves as an important platform in strengthening relationships and understanding between the various communities in Sarawak.

Caption: Deputy Minister Sebastian Ting performing the Iban ajat around the "ranyai" at the closing of the Gawai Dayak celebration

He said Sarawak has a rich cultural heritage and unique ethnic diversity, with people from various races having long lived in harmony, respecting each other and together forming the special values of the Sarawakian community.

“Sarawak is one of the most diverse states in Malaysia with 34 ethnic groups, each of which has its own language, culture, customs and festivals that are the pride of the people of this state.

“Whether it is Gawai Dayak, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas or other ethnic festivals, we can see people from various races and religions opening their homes to receive visitors and celebrate the festival together.

“This spirit of unity and tolerance is the most valuable asset for Sarawak,” he said when speaking at the Gawai Ngiling Tikai celebration ceremony held in Kampung Sealine, yesterday.

Sebastian said the social harmony and stability enjoyed by Sarawak for so long and its recognition as the best example of multi-racial life in the country was the result of the practice of mutual respect, understanding and tolerance among its people.

He also stressed that apart from preserving inter-racial harmony, the Sarawak government is committed to strengthening educational development to improve the living standards of the people and provide a brighter future for the younger generation.

Commenting on the Gawai Ngiling Tikai celebration, he said organising such programmes not only honours the cultural heritage of the Dayak community, but also serves as a platform to strengthen ties and unity among the multi-racial community.

“Let us continue to preserve and inherit the rich culture of each ethnicities, while displaying the spirit of unity, friendship and harmony that is the pride of Sarawak,” he said.

 

Governor, prime minister and premier expected to attend state-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner this Sunday

KUCHING: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Abang Johari Openg are expected to attend the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner this Sunday.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah says preparations for the Gawai have been going well

Deputy Premier Dougas Uggah Embas said they are expected to attend the Gawai dinner to be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on June 21.

He added various traditional and cultural events scheduled for two days from June 20 to 21. 

He said the celebration organised by the Iban community will begin with the 'Niti Daun' event on June 20 which is expected to be attended by the premier.

"Preparations have been going well and we are confident that this year's Gawai celebration will bring interesting events as part of the harmonious development and peaceful Sarawak and we will show our traditions and culture during this event," he told reporters after chairing the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration main committee meeting 2026 at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building today.

Uggah also announced that this time's celebration will feature several special events as surprises for visitors throughout the event on June 20 and 21.

Commenting on 'Niti Daun', he said that 99 contingents will take part in the event including the participation of a contingent from Sabah.

He said that the parade will start from Bangunan Tun Jugah and end at the Kuching Riverbank with the presence of about 3,000 visitors expected to enliven the event.

Also present at the media briefing were the Minister of Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai,  Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister of Transport Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and Deputy Minister in the  Premier's Department (Native Laws and Customs).

 

 

Maintain cleanliness. not leave trash behind, when visiting Batang Lupar Bridge 1, Uggah appeals to public

KUCHING, June 15 2026: Deputy Minister Douglas Uggah Embas has appealed to members of the public to maintain cleanliness and safety at the Batang Lupar Bridge 1, which has now become one of the new landmarks and tourist attractions in Sarawak.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah says  the increasing number of visitors to the location requires the cooperation of all parties to ensure that the area is always clean

He said since it was opened to motorists last month the bridge  has attracted Sarawakians all over the state just to enjoy the scenic view.

Uggah said the increasing number of visitors to the location requires the cooperation of all parties to ensure that the area is always clean, orderly and safe to use., expressing his disappointment with the trash left behind by the visitors 

"On behalf of the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), we are taking steps to provide garbage disposal facilities and will continue to monitor the area because we want this place to always be clean and attractive," Uggah, who is also the state Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, told reporters after chairing the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak Celebration Main Committee Meeting at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA) Building today..

He added that the bridge has great potential as a tourist destination as more and more visitors from abroad are coming to see the iconic structure for themselves.

Therefore, he urged all parties, including the local community, to work together to protect the property of Sarawakians and not tarnish the image of Bumi Kenyalang.

"Take good care of this facility so that it continues to be our pride in the future.

"The Public Works Department will take the necessary steps to ensure cleanliness remains one of the main features of Batang Lupar," he said.

Commenting further on the safety aspect, the Sarawak Infrastructure and Port Development Minister advised users to drive carefully and not to drive beyond the set speed limit.

He added that the Public Works Department is looking into several issues related to facilities and maintenance in the bridge area and is expected to submit a further report within two weeks. 

Dr Sim praises management committees of temples in Batu Kawa for their excellent work

KUCHING, June 15 2026: Deputy Premier Dr  Sim Kui Hian has commended the management committees of various temples in Batu Kawa area for their excellent work in managing, maintaining and renovating their respective temples.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian (standing, centre) handing over a donation to the representative of one of the temples

He noted that there are many temples in Batu Kawa, which are not only important cultural and heritage sites for the Chinese community but also serve as gathering places for the local community.

He said he wants to see that these temple committees frequently organise activities such as deity birthday celebrations, Hungry Ghost Festival offerings, charitable events and temple management meetings. 

"These initiatives help preserve ethnic harmony, promote neighborliness and strengthen community unity," he said after personally distributing Sarawak Government grants to temples in the area over the past two days.

The temples are Persatuan Penganut Kuil Zhen Jun Di, Persatuan Buddhist Tze Yein Sungai Moyan Batu Kawa, Fook-Ted Temple Sejijak Batu Kawa, Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Kuil Voon Fah Kiong, Segubang, Batu Kawa, Batu Kawa Tian Sze Ja Temple Association, Che Qian Khor Moral Up-Lifting Society, Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Fatt Chu Sheng Khiun Kuching, Persatuan Penganut Dewa Wu Xuan Dai Di, P.P.K Tze Yin Yun Vun Kiung K.C.S Batu Kawa, Persatuan Penyokong Kuil Fu Bao Gong Batu Kawa Kuching, Kuil Nam Fah Tian, Kuil Ying Yuan, Hian Shing Khioong Committee, Kuil Soon Lee, Sungai Tapang, Batu Kawa, Sungai Tapang Chinese Taipakong Temple, Persatuan Penganut Buddha Chang Phin San, Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Kuil Ngee Boon Kiung, Persatuan Penganut Taoist Feng Huo Yen Kuching and Lo San Miaw. 

Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawa State Legislative Member (SLM), explained that the Sarawak government grants are intended to support activities organized by temple committees and to help cover operational expenses. stating that for major repair works, temple committees may apply for additional funding from the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR). 

He added that as long as the necessary requirements are fulfilled, including ownership of the temple land by the temple committee, applications for substantial repair or expansion projects would generally be approved by UNIFOR.

“For example, Persatuan Penganut Dewa Wu Xuan Dai Di received over RM2 million from UNIFOR, successfully completing its project. The recent expansion of the Batu Kawa Tian Sze Ja Temple Association and many other projects also received support from UNIFOR.”

Dr Sim stated that the Sarawak government is grateful for the cooperation and mutual respect among the various communities in Sarawak as this harmony allows the government to focus on Sarawak’s economic growth and development rather than resolving community issues.

He noted that recent incidents in Selangor and Pahang, where guidelines restricting religious activities and buildings were introduced, have drawn national concern.

Dr Sim emphasised that Sarawak’s strength lies in its diversity and the mutual respect shared among people of different races and religions.

“As Sarawakians, we must continue to safeguard our tradition of moderation, respect and inclusiveness. We must never allow racial or religious extremism to divide us,” he said.

He added that the Sarawak government will continue to uphold the principles of religious freedom and support the legitimate needs of all faiths, ensuring that every community can practise its beliefs peacefully and contribute to Sarawak’s nation-building efforts.

Grassroots approach is proof of GPS's commitment to understanding and resolving people's issues, says PBB vice president

SARIKEI, June 14 2026:  The grassroots approach practised by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is proof of its continued commitment to understanding and resolving the people's issues regardless of the season or current political situation.

Caption: PBB vice president Len Talif Salleh says service to the people cannot be done seasonally.

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president Len Talif Salleh said that service to the community has always been a priority for the GPS leadership and is implemented at all times, not just when elections are approaching.

According to him, party leaders and machinery must always be with the people to ensure that every problem faced can be identified and addressed more effectively.

“Service to the people cannot be done seasonally. As leaders and party members, we must always be with the community and understand their needs from time to time.

“This approach has been the GPS practice all along in ensuring that the welfare of the people continues to be protected,” Len, who is also Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment,  said.

Speaking at the Simpulan Kasih Dinner at the Kampung Seberang Sarikei Multipurpose Hall yesterday, Len said that the entire party machinery must continue to strengthen its work at the grassroots level to ensure that the relationship with the people is always strong and close.

According to him, the determination to reach out to the community allows various issues and needs of the residents to be conveyed directly to the government for follow-up action.

He also said that the practice of going to the field is also the best platform to obtain direct feedback on the effectiveness of the government’s development policies and programs.

“When we are always in the field, we better understand the needs of the people and can plan actions that are appropriate to their needs,” he said.

He added that close cooperation between the government and the people is very important to ensure that the development agenda can be implemented smoothly and benefit all levels of society.

He is confident that the spirit of The continued togetherness between GPS and the people will be an important factor in ensuring that Sarawak's development and well-being can continue in the future. Also present were the Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development and PBB Wanita chief Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) and Sarawak PBB Wanita deputy chief Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and PBB Wanita secretary Susan Chemerai Anding.