Nanta launches Kapit Gawai Bazaar 2022
KAPIT: Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi launched the Gawai Bazaar 2022 at Town Square here last Saturday (May 14).
He gave the thumbs up to the organising committee for organising the Gawai Bazaar which runs from May 13 to 22.
“After a break of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, now we are able to hold the Gawai Bazaar as we transition to endemicity, to enliven Kapit with hives of socialeconomic activities,” said Nanta.
He explained that the Gawai Bazaar which is held before the Gawai celebration allows potential entrepreneurs to promote and sell their products.
“Business stalls have been set up to promote local foods, traditional handicrafts; beadwork, woodwork and woven clothes which are popular among the local and visitors to Kapit as souvenir.
“They make some profit to buy festive goodies to celebrate the Gawai. It is good to organise Gawai Bazaar to attract crowds and the whole business community benefits from it. Cafés and restaurants will be crowded with people. Hotel room occupation will increase. Likewise, bakery, textile, fashion and furniture sales will go up because of the economic spinoff,” he added.
However, he reminded the people to remain vigilant against the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
“Though we are now entering the endemic phase, it doesn’t mean Covid-19 has disappeared. I would like to advise people to follow the health procedures from the Ministry of Health to protect oneself and family members,” he cautioned.
On another matter, Nanta disclosed that his ministry would hold a two-day ‘Program Jualan Malaysia’ in Kapit and Song on May 21 and 22 from 9am to 4pm.
In Kapit, it will be held at the car park of Kapit Civic Centre, Jalan Hospital, while in Song it will be at the Song Waterfront Esplanade.
“Program Jualan Malaysia is organised by KPDNHEP to offer goods at lower prices compared to the market. It is one of the strategies to help consumers to buy food items at low prices because the government subsidises the goods to the suppliers.
“For example, in the market a tray of 30 eggs costs RM13 but at Jualan Malaysia probably it is only RM10. The aim is to lessen the burden of the consumers on their food bills. There are great varieties of items offered; chicken, egg, cooking oil, sugar, fish, vegetable, instant mee, rice, onion, garlic, ginger, canned foods, etc. It is very costly to organise the sale and I hope the people will go for it,” he said.
Hulu Rajang member of Parliament Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, political secretaries to the Premier of Sarawak, Maurice Giri and Tapah Ata; Kapit Resident Nyurak Keti, who is organising chairman; Deputy Kapit Resident Galong Luang; Walikota Lating Minggang; Bukit Mabong district officer Robert Liman; Kapit district officer Cerisologo Sabut, Temenggong Datu Wilfred Billy Panyau and Pemanca Yong Thu Fook were among the VIPs attending the function.