KUCHING, May 16: The Iban community here should follow closely the government’s advice for a safe Gawai celebration this year as the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) is still enforced.
As such, Kuching Iban community paramount chief Temenggong Dato Bernard Aggan has called on all Iban Pemancas, Penghulus, Tuai Rumahs and Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) chairmen to explain to their charges.
“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. We are in the midst of fighting a battle. So we must follow all the advice and strategies in order to win,” Aggan said in a statement here today
He also advised the Kuching Iban community leaders to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) during the CMCO which will last until June 9.
“I fully support the advice given by the SDMC 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” (visiting) or open house. But we can allow only close family members to come,” he said, adding that the number of visitors should be limited to 20 and to be allowed only during the first day of Gawai.
However, Agan suggested the people to come in two groups of 10 people each per session.
“One group can come in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Then we can do the 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.
He also reminded the Kuching Iban leaders to prevent any mass gathering during the coming Gawai celebration.
“An infected person 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.
“May the blessing and the protection of Almighty God be upon us during this Covid-19 pandemic. Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai,” he added. -DayakDaily
