Adhere to restrictions during Gawai
KUCHING: Another tradition in Sarawak has to make way for the standard operation procedure under Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), with the Dayak community celebrating Gawai against the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic that is unprecedented in scale and impact throughout the world.
Leaders representing various Dayak communities spoke to thesundaypost.
Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) president Tan Sri William Mawan said the community must understand that measures restricting the movement of people taken by the Government through the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Security Council (NSC), Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and other relevant agencies are for the people’s benefit and safety.
He reminded the Dayak community to abide by all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by the Federal Government and Sarawak Government during the Gawai Dayak Celebration.
He also reminded Dayaks living in town to abide by SDMC’s directive not to return to villages or longhouses to avoid the risk of bringing the virus to their communities.
“Under the present scenario, I urge the community leaders and Ketua Kaum (KMKKs) to be more pro-active in protecting the communities under their care from Covid-19 infection.
“The KMKKs need to ensure that the SOP issued by SDMC is adhered to at all times in their longhouses and by those living in separate homes in the village,” he said.
Mawan, who is Pakan assemblyman, said the Dayak community may maintain the tradition of Gawai rituals but they should not celebrate like before, for example sharing a glass during a drinking session, which has long been a tradition and practice of longhouses.
“On the behalf of SDNU, I wish Happy Gawai Dayak, gayu guru, gerai nyamai, lantang senang nguan menoa, to all fellow Dayaks,” he added.
Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Sarawak, Malaysia (Forum) president Antonio Kahti Galis said the Dayak community has to accept and adapt to the new norm of not celebrating open house due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“My advice to fellow Dayaks is to just celebrate this Gawai with our immediate family members not exceeding the maximum allowed.
“It is important to adhere to the SOP so the pandemic can be contained. We hope and pray the pandemic will end soon,” said Kahti, who is Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.
Bidayuh community leader for Kuching Division Temenggong Austin Dimin said this year’s celebration of Gawai will be very different as even family members and relatives are restricted from visiting or getting together for family reunion.
He anticipated it will be less costly as celebrants may only have to buy and prepare food for their own family.
“We do not have to buy new clothes as we are confined in our own homes. The scenario will be very much like ordinary days except we have extra food and drinks on the table for the family.
“We can still communicate with our family members and friends through video calls.
“The Ketua Kaum or village chiefs should put a notice at the entrance to the village informing people not to go house visiting during Gawai,” he added
He wished the Dayak community a happy Gawai.
Sidi Munan of Sarawak Dayak Iban Associaition said the order to refrain from Gawai visiting is sensible and people should abide by the ruling for their own good.
“Hopefully the restriction on mass gatherings will result in less consumption of alcoholic drinks.
“Do not worry - there will another Gawai next year and the next provided you can avoid Covid-19 this year.
“Happy Gawai to all my fellow Dayak, Gayu guru gerai nyamai,” he said.
Kenyah National Association of Sarawak (PKKS) president Kennedy Chukpai Ugon said this Gawai celebration will different from previous years with new norms.
He hoped the Dayak community accepts both the federal and state governments’ decision as all action and steps taken are for the safety of the people.
The Murum state assemblyman also reminded the Dayak Community to abide by all SOPS issued for Dayak Gawai Day Celebration.
“Let us all celebrate Gawai in moderation while maintaining the tradition of Gawai ceremonies according to respective cultures and customs. Avoid shaking hands and practice social distancing to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection.
“For those who wish to visit their families and close relatives within the same longhouse and village, please use face mask and practice personal hygiene such as hand washing and hand sanitising. Happy Gawai to all my fellow Dayaks,” he said.
Sarawak Kayan Association president Dennis Ngau said the Gawai tradition and celebration which is part of the Dayak culture has never been a low-key affair.
It has become more lavish over the years reflecting the better socio-economic standing of the community.
“In fact it is the one celebration Dayaks look forward to as it is a time for reunion with families and friends as the young and old make it a point to return to their family homes especially their longhouses or settlements.
“But under the hype and spotlights of Gawai festivities – with tables laden with lots of specially cooked foods and cakes, drinks and so forth, fathers and mothers of underprivileged families sit quietly watching and listening the sound of dance music from a distance with sadness in their inability to bring such celebration to their own children.
“In fact the Covid
19 pandemic has bared the many families struggling to even put food on their tables,” he said.
The Telang Usan assemblyman believed that this pandemic is a way God shows that there are families living within the community struggling financially with bread winners losing their jobs or sources of income.
“Therefore let us change our way of welcoming Gawai this time. If I may suggest, let us take a moment to pray for our Dayak families facing uncertainties,” he said.
He suggested that those blessed with good life share food and drinks with poor families.