KUCHING, May 16, 2020 - The Iban community in Kuching Division should take heed of the Sarawak government's advice for a safe Gawai celebration this year, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.
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| Miring is part of an Iban Adat held during Gawai Dayak celebration |
Kuching Iban community paramount chief Temenggong Datuk Bernard Aggan has called on the Iban Pemancas, Penghulus, Tuai Rumahs and JKKK chairmen to explain to those under their areas of jurisdiction on the need to stay safe during the celebration.
“We need to be extremely careful when celebrating this Gawai for fear there will be an outbreak of the Covid-19 illness among us.
"The dreaded illness is still around us .We are in the midst of fighting a battle so we must follow the advices and strategies in order to win the battle against the virus ," he said in a statement here today.
"I fully support the advice given by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee Chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah on how we should celebrate during this very difficult time.
"He had said yesterday that there should be no "ngabang" or open house.
“But we can allow only close family members to come over,” he said, adding that he is in an agreement that the number should be 20 and less on the first day of the celebration.
"But since our typical city houses may not be able to comfortably accommodate 20 people coming at the same time, I suggest for them to come in two groups of 10 people each," he said, adding that the first group should come in the morning while the second ground, in the afternoon.
“In this way we can have much space for social distancing.
"Actually, the advice is for us not to hold any Gawai Open House.
"It is not that we do not welcome our friends from other races to visit us and share our Gawai joys.
"Like other Malaysians, the Iban community must do their part to break the chain of transmission," he said.
He said the community leaders should inform their people not to organise any gatherings or functions that would attract a huge crowd.
"The Gawai is still full of joys and happiness when we celebrate among our own family members," he said.
"The bottom line is we should not have any mass gathering..
"An infected person but who is asymptomatic can easily spread the Covid-19 illness in such a situation.
"I too would like to remain everyone to maintain the highest personal hygiene.
"On this note, I hope all will follow the advice given.
"Let us stay vigilant, stay safe, stay home and save lives.
"Meanwhile I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Dayak a happy Gawai Dayak in advance.
"May the blessing and the protection of Almighty God be upon us during this Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.
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