KUCHING: The Iban community has once again been entrusted to be the host for the Sarawak State-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026, including leading the organisation of the highlight event, the 'Niti Daun' parade, scheduled to take place on 20 June at the Kuching Waterfront.

This was announced during the First Meeting of the 'Niti Daun' Sub-Committee on Thursday, which involved participation from various representatives of government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and community bodies.

The Chairman of the 'Niti Daun' Sub-Committee, who is also the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, expressed his appreciation for the trust given by the Main Committee of the Sarawak State-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026 to lead the organisation of the event.

According to him, the parade aims not only to enliven the Gawai Dayak celebration but also to serve as a platform to showcase the rich culture, customs, and identity of the Dayak community in Sarawak through the participation of various contingents.

“This parade is not only a symbol of unity but also a medium to demonstrate the unique cultural heritage of the Dayak community to the public,” he said.

He also informed that the parade will continue to be held at the Kuching Waterfront, which remains a primary focal point for every Gawai Dayak celebration.

Reflecting on previous organisations, the Bidayuh community, as hosts in 2024, successfully gathered 111 contingents, while the Orang Ulu community recorded 91 contingents in 2025.

For this year, the committee is targeting participation from around 99 contingents in an effort to further strengthen the vibrant atmosphere of the 'Niti Daun' parade.

The meeting also discussed initial planning, task coordination, and strategic steps to ensure the event runs smoothly, in an organised manner, and achieves its set objectives.

'Niti Daun' parade is expected to remain one of the highlights of the Sarawak State-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration, thereby reinforcing the spirit of unity and pride in cultural heritage among the multi-racial community in the state.

Also present were the Engkilili Assemblyman and Deputy Chairman II Dr Johnnical Rayong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak and Executive Secretary Datu Sirai Daha, and Special Functions Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeRN) Lieutenant General (Rtd) Datuk Stephen Mundaw. -UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim