SARIKEI: A total of RM80,000 has been spent by Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh on 1,417 “bilek” of longhouses in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration.
Len Talif, who is also Kuala Rajang assemblyman, hopes that the beneficiaries will use the donation as best as possible to celebrate Gawai with their families.
“Celebrate the feast in an atmosphere of peace and goodwill. The existing unity must be maintained as it helps the government to pursue its development agenda,” he said.
Len called on young Dayaks working in the cities and towns to return home for the Gawai “to renew their kinship and friendship”.
He said Gawai is their best opportunity for Dayak families to reunite and keep alive their tradition of ‘ngabang’ and open house.
He added that last year, a total of RM77,600 was handed out to 98 longhouses.
Meanwhile, Len Talif will hold Gawai programmes with the people from June 10 onwards at Dewan Masyarakat Penghulu Adin Sare, Dewan Serbaguna Sungai Setebu Sare, Dewan Kerubong and Rumah Berandah Muara Payang, Rumah Anis and Rumah Chihi at Semalau, Rumah Maoh (Stalon), Rumah Baki (Sebayang/Tusok), and Rumah Gabriel Bujang at Nanga Lepak.
