KUCHING: Not celebrating Gawai this year will not render the Dayaks to lose their culture, tradition, customs and identity, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He added that the state government’s decision to prohibit ‘ngabang’ during the festival was to protect their family and friends.
“I therefore call on everyone to understand and support the decision by the state government,” he said today.
Uggah, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said the sacrifice during Gawai this time around was to protect Sarawakians and their loved ones.
He appealed to fellow Dayaks who would be celebrating Gawai to celebrate the occasion with family members within the same household or in the case of those staying in the longhouses to celebrate among those in their respective ‘bilik’.
“Do not go back to your longhouse or village. Just stay put wherever you are and strictly adhere to the SOP.
“Our culture, tradition, customs and identity will not be lost without celebrating this year’s Gawai,” he added.
Meanwhile, SDMC said Kuching district topped the list of 772 positive Covid-19 cases recorded in the state today, accounting for 229 cases.
Miri district was second with 82 cases followed by Sibu (70), Bintulu (67), Subis (52), Mukah (33), Beluru (25), Sri Aman (23) Serian (18), Kanowit (17), Betong (16), Kabong and Pakan (15 each), Selangau (14), Asajaya (13), Tatau (12), Bukit Mabong (11), Kapit (nine), Tanjung Manis and Bau (eight each), Samarahan (seven), Belaga (six), Dalat and Sarikei (four each), Daro (three) Lawas, Lundu, Saratok and Meradong (two each) and Sebauh, Song and Matu (one each).
With the latest cases, Sarawak’s cumulative total of positive Covid-19 now stands at 44,738 cases.
Uggah said 55 of the new cases showed signs and symptoms of Covid-19 infection during screening.
