BINTULU: The Gawai Dayak celebration saw the enthusiastic involvement of Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who actively engaged with the local community and visited nine longhouses in Bintulu and Sibu from May 30 to June 4.
In a press statement today, what made this year’s celebration unique was Tiong’s additional role as the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. Embracing his responsibilities, he made a commitment to showcase the distinctiveness of Dayak culture to the world, particularly within the longhouses.
Despite the distance, Tiong, who is also the Dudong assemblyman, managed to understand the longhouses’ situation and challenges. This included addressing issues like unstable water and electricity supply. Tiong assured residents that the state government remains dedicated to improving these services in remote areas. Upgrades will happen gradually, and he requested their patience.
The statement also said that Tiong actively joined Dayak ceremonies, like Miring and poco-poco, and invited friends from Peninsular Malaysia to experience the unique Gawai celebration.
During the gathering, he expressed his intentions to leverage the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China in 2024. He proposed cultural exchange programs focusing on ethnic minorities, aiming to promote learning, interaction, and understanding between the two countries. These initiatives would strengthen friendships and bilateral ties.
Among the longhouses visited by Tiong during the Gawai Dayak Festival were Rumah (Rh) Ukar Kenyalang and Rh Renga Layang in Bintulu, as well as Rh Alice Nori Langot, Rh Nyudang Jalin, Rh Dayong Sahak, Rh Dinnis Umpol Andrew Ungon, and Rh Dinnis in Sibu. He also paid visits to Rh Madgeline Tugang, Rh Raymond Bandang, and Rh Penghulu Peter John.
