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By Jacob Achoi
BAU, June 11: Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Martin Ben has proposed that the Serumbu Gawai celebration be included in the Sarawak tourism calendar to further promote Bidayuh traditions and culture from the area.
He said the local community’s unique traditions and culture are compelling reasons to promote them at an international level.
“For the Serumbu Gawai celebration, I must propose that the event be included into the Sarawak Tourism calendar to become a platform for the uniqueness of the Bidayuh culture, tradition and heritage be promoted and shared for international consumption,” he said at the Serumbu Gawai open house at Kampung Gumbang here on June 10.
He pointed out that cultural activities would be properly organised if the event is included into the said calendar, and that the promotion of Bidayuh culture and tradition to an international audience would add zest to the area which offers plenty of eco-tourism destinations.
“It is time for the community (Bidayuh) to monetise our activities and turn it into business,” the Kedup assemblyman asserted.
Martin later announced RM10,000 in funding for Kampung Gumbang.
Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh, in his welcoming speech said the Gawai celebration is a festival of unity, where people of different races and religions come together to celebrate.
Meanwhile, six contingents comprising groups from Persatuan Biya, DUN Serumbu, Desa Kambih from West Kalimantan, Tringgus and Gumbang dressed in their Bidayuh traditional attire took part in the 15-minute procession from the ‘Baruk’ to the cultural centre at the village.
Among those present were Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin, Kedup assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier John Nyigor, Temenggong Datuk Austin Dominic and Dayak Bidayuh National Association president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik and Bau District Officer Constantine Gerald David Jonas. — DayakDaily
