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By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, June 4: More than 300 participants dressed in the traditional Bidayuh attire braced the heavy rain for a Gawai Dayak procession at Kampung (Kpg) Segu Bunuk.
Organised by Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP), the event was held for the first time with the participation of all six villages under the association—Kpg Segu Bunuk, Kpg Sorot Bunuk, Kpg Sumur Bunuk, Kpg Punau, Kpg Sibatuh Bunuk, and Kpg Bratan.
Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin, when officiating at the event on June 3, lauded the association for organising the activity to preserve the Bidayuh culture and tradition, particularly for the younger generation.
He pointed out that the procession also helps showcase the Bidayuh’s identity.
“For us (Bidayuh), we must have our identity and should not allow our culture to diminish due to modernisation, so a procession like this is worth continuing to preserve our culture and tradition.
“At the same time, we must also continuously improve ourselves and work with other communities to progress,” said Willie, the association’s patron.
Willie, who earlier led the procession, has high hope that it will continue to be held in years to come, stressing that it will also greatly help promote the village from a tourism aspect. — DayakDaily
