KUCHING: Dayak elected representatives are urged to play a role in advising the community in their respective constituencies to adhere to the agreed-upon Gawai Dayak celebration period to preserve the sanctity and significance of the traditional festival.

Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai said that the decision regarding the celebration duration was agreed upon by community leaders during the Iban Customary Law (Adat Iban) Symposium 2026 held in Sibu recently.

He noted that the Mantar Gawai celebration should begin no earlier than May 1, while the Ngiling Bidai or Ngiling Tikai ceremonies must end no later than June 30 each year.

According to him, this resolution was among the primary outcomes achieved at the symposium aimed at safeguarding the sanctity of the Gawai Dayak festival, which is celebrated annually on June 1.

“I hope Dayak elected representatives take note of this matter and advise the community in their respective areas to comply with the set dates,” he said.

He said this during a press conference after delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here on Monday.

He added that the symposium gathered 470 participants from across Sarawak, comprising Iban community leaders including Temenggong, Pemanca, and Penghulu, alongside government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and higher education institutions. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Marisa
Photos: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Ryan Lim