MIRI: The Ngiling Bidai Gawai Dayak Programme in the Lambir constituency serves as an important platform in fostering the unity of multi-racial communities as well as supporting the inclusive and sustainable development agenda of the state.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that the Sarawak Government will continue to ensure that development and progress are enjoyed by all residents regardless of race, religion and location.

According to him, the community harmony which forms the identity of Sarawak is the basis for the stability and economic success of the state as a result of strategic planning and visionary leadership.

"The state government is now in a strong financial position, thus enabling the implementation of more development projects, particularly in the aspects of infrastructure, education, health and basic facilities such as water and electricity supply," he said.

He said this through the text of speech read by the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala at the event held in Miri, on Wednesday.

Commenting on the development in the Lambir constituency, he shared that 52 road projects worth RM17 million and six small bridge projects worth RM1.8 million have been implemented to improve the convenience and safety of local residents.

In addition, a total of 54 emergency repair projects worth RM140.5 million were also approved in Miri Division to handle infrastructure damage due to natural disasters.

The ceremony was also graced with a variety of cultural activities including Gendang Pampat performances, miring ceremonies, Ngajat Ngalu Ke Temuai, Bidayuh and Iban Ngajat dances.

In addition, the prize giving ceremony for the Ratu Kebaya competition and the 'Toss' ceremony also enlivened the atmosphere as a symbol of the official closing of the Gawai Dayak celebrations.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Miri Division Resident Galong Luang, Temenggong Yong Vui Seng, Temenggong Elizabeth Deng as well as Political Secretaries to the Sarawak Premier Ajis Japar Labaw, Pandang Seman and Sharkawi Suhaili. -UKASnews