BETONG, May 14: In their eagerness to celebrate the coming Gawai Dayak fesrivities in a less restrictive manner in two weeks from now, the Dayak community should never let their guard down as the fight against Covid-19 is still ongoing.
Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat noted that the Dayak community is excited and looking forward to celebrating this year’s Gawai in the usual way in longhouses after not being able to do so for the last two years.
“I know the temptation and the urge are there to throw caution to the wind when we are joyfully celebrating.
“But, we must not forget to continue practicing the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) because we need to protect one another,” he said when presenting Petronas and Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd (MLNG) Gawai goodies to 50 recipients at the Betong Resident Office here today.
The two corporations had chosen some 500 families in the division to receive the gifts this year with Petronas contributing 300 packs while MLNG 200 packs under their ‘Sentuhan Kasih Gawai’ 2022 programme.
Chuat represented Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the function.
While Sarawakians are lucky to have a caring and supportive government, especially in managing the pandemic from the beginning, he also commended many big corporations including Petronas and MLNG for their generosity and efforts to help all those affected.
“Datuk Amar Douglas, who is Bukit Saban assemblyman, has and is still leading the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) in the fight (against the pandemic).
“Together with our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and many others, including the frontliners, they have done very well for us.
“So let us all continue to tread the careful path,” he added.
Later, Chuat also officiated at the Betong 2022 Gawai Carnival.
Chuat’s wife Datin Regina Claudia Janting, Petronas Sarawak general manager Julaihi Mohd Mantali, political secretary Dr Richard Rapu and Betong Resident Richard Abunawas were among those present. — DayakDaily
