Gawai Dayak holidays turn bustling Kapit town ‘dormant’
KAPIT: There was nothing much happening here during the Gawai Dayak holidays, compared to the scene several days before the festival.
A week prior to the celebration, the town experienced a hive of activities, with people crowding major markets and commercial centres, and vehicles lining along the streets and roads.
On Monday and yesterday, things had gone ‘dormant’ with only a small number of shops opening and the traffic was clear across town.
Amidst the current Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), many people had returned to their home villages and longhouses for Gawai and they were allowed to do so as their settlements were still within Kapit District, which remains a ‘green zone’ with no positive Covid-19 cases.
A survey over the usuallybustling Gelanggang Kenyalang and Terasang Market yesterday showed a few stalls operating, but there were very few customers around.
Fishmonger Loh Ah Hai said he would not expect fresh catch in the coming several days because the fishermen would still be at their respective longhouses celebrating Gawai.
“Actually, this is a normal thing during the Gawai holidays before the CMCO. The town would be near empty during this time,” said Loh, who runs a stall at Terasang Market.
Meanwhile, local housing developer Dato Yong Hua Sying said his workers took advantage of the festive celebration to return to their home villages.
In stating this, he acknowledged that the present situation had been very challenging and he expected some tough times ahead.
“All construction works came to a complete stop on
March 18 – the first day of the Movement Control Order (MCO), which was later extended as CMCO.
“Construction workers took the time off from work throughout the CMO and CMCO, and I expect them to be back for work at early as 10 days after Gawai celebration.
“Hopefully, (there would be) no more CMCO after June 9. The progress of construction works is now far behind the schedule,” he said.