Gawai under CMCO a ‘blessing in disguise’, says Bukit Goram rep
KAPIT: This year’s Gawai Dayak would be celebrated in moderation, in view of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) still in force due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, such restriction is also ‘a blessing in disguise’ in that the people would not have to spend extravagantly for the occasion; instead, the money could be directed to other purposes such as children’s education and improving family livelihood, says Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat.
“This is a time for us to reflect what we have achieved or failed to accomplish over the past one year. At the same time, we can plan better for the future so that we’re able to achieve more.
“Nonetheless, I would still like to advise everyone to celebrate this festival in moderation. Most importantly, do not consume alcoholic drinks excessively, as this is no good for your health,” he said in his special Gawai Dayak message.
Adding on, Jamit advised those who were unable to return to their hometowns and villages this Gawai to understand the rationale behind the government’s directive of not allowing interstate and inter-district travelling during the CMCO.
“Even ‘ngabang’ (house-tohouse visiting) is not allowed during Gawai. This is because we are still fighting this ‘invisible enemy’.
“We all should cooperate with the authorities in breaking the chain of infection, as we pray for this pandemic to be over soon.
“Observe all the SOP (standard operating procedure) that covers proper social distancing, regular handwashing with soap and water or by using sanitisers, overall self-hygiene and also the donning of face masks whenever we need to go out.”
Jamit also took the opportunity to commend the Kapit Division Disaster Management committee for a job well done in keeping this district a ‘green zone’.
“Our gratitude also goes to all the frontliners – the health and medical workforce, police, firefighters, members of Civil defence Force and Rela (People’s Volunteers Corps), Sarawak Rivers Board), and also the Welfare Department – for your dedication and commitment in protecting the people from the coronavirus.
“The war against Covid-19 is not over, so please keep up all the great work,” he said.