KUCHING, May 31: Sarawakians have been advised to learn from past mistakes of spreading Covid-19 infections during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and avoid another festive cluster during the Hari Gawai Dayak celebration.
Sarawak Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairman Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian noted that the Dayak community will be celebrating Gawai tomorrow (June 1) as a sign of gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
“However, the Gawai Dayak celebration this time may be a little different due to the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) that is in force throughout Sarawak and Malaysia in our efforts to curb the increase in Covid-19 infection cases.
“However, all parties must understand that the enforcement set by the government, such as not allowing visiting activities during the celebration is intended solely to prevent the people from continuing to be infected or spreading this pandemic to loved ones and the local community undetected,” he said in his Gawai Dayak message today.
He mentioned that this had happened in the peninsula where there were certain individuals who stubbornly wanted to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with family and friends and subsequently brought the dangerous virus to their loved ones instead.
“Therefore we need to take a lesson from this mistake to avoid the same thing happening here to ensure the safety and health of family members remain protected while we are still fighting against this Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is best to avoid leaving home except for important matters and to continue to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and rules set by the National Security Council (MKN) and the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), and provide full cooperation to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to ensure Covid-19 transmission can be controlled more effectively,” he added.
He also reminded Sarawakians that despite having to go through strict movement restriction enforcement during Gawai, the people can still celebrate it together with family members at home in the new norm atmosphere.
“It is hoped that this year’s Gawai Day celebration will strengthen the commitment of all of us to face all challenges and trials for the sake of our security together for a brighter and more glorious future for the country.
“Finally, Happy Gawai Day 2021. Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
