Abang Johari (centre), flanked by Uggah (right) and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi walks during the Niti Daun parade. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 20): The Niti Daun Parade reflects the contribution of the Dayak community to Malaysia in promoting unity, harmony and development, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Speaking to the media at Kuching Waterfront during the parade, he said the message carried by the event was highly meaningful and should be cherished by all Malaysians.
“We want to show that the people of Sarawak are united and work together with the leaders who have led this programme.
“It is not easy to organise such an event, with participants travelling from as far as Lawas, Miri and other parts of Sarawak, sacrificing their time and effort to showcase their culture and traditions,” he said.
A contingent dressed in traditional Iban attire poses for a group photograph before joining the procession. — Photo by Chimon Upon
The Niti Daun Parade marked the highlight of Sarawak’s Gawai Dayak celebrations, featuring 114 contingents from various associations and clubs representing the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities.
The contingents comprised about 99 walking groups and 15 decorated floats, surpassing the state government’s initial target of 99 contingents for this year’s event.
Ahead of the parade, a traditional miring ritual was held at the Tun Jugah Shopping Centre lobby, where blessings were sought for the smooth running of the programme.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg later arrived, accompanied by his daughter Dayang Norjihan, to officiate the parade.
He was joined by Uggah, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, other state ministers and deputy ministers, as well as former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang.
The 1.2km procession began at Tun Jugah Building and ended at Kuching Waterfront opposite the Old Court House.
Leading the parade was Kelab Gagung, while the final contingent was the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA).
The parade also featured four competitive categories — Best Iban Association, Best Bidayuh Association, Best Orang Ulu Association and Best Float.
Winners of the Best Bidayuh Association category pose for a group photograph. — Photo by Chimon Upon
In the Iban category, Kelab Belia Warisan Kreatif Taman Samarindah emerged champion, followed by Rumah Minggat, Nanga Bawai (Pelagus, Kapit Division) in second place, and Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak Kapit branch in third.
The Bidayuh category was won by Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Samarahan Branch, followed by the DBNA Women’s Branch and Persatuan Kemajuan dan Kebudayaan Asar Pinyawa.
For the Orang Ulu category, Sarawak Kayan Women Association (PWKS) took first place, followed by Lun Bawang Association Sarawak (PLBS) and Persatuan Tagal (Okolod) Sarawak (PTS).
An Orang Ulu contingent participating in the procession during the event. — Photo by Chimon Upon
Meanwhile, the Best Float category was won by Kumpulan Kebudayaan Kampung Gumbang Bau, followed by Semban Ring Lady and Gabungan Orang Asal Samarahan (GOAS).
The colourful procession saw participants in traditional attire adorned with distinctive Dayak motifs, while the jingling of ornaments and rhythmic sounds of cultural instruments filled the streets of Kuching, creating a vibrant celebration of heritage.
