Sarawak Minister Promotes Responsible Gawai Dayak Celebrations

Sarawak Minister Urges Responsible Gawai Dayak Celebrations KUCHING, Sarawak – In a short video message released on June 1st, 2025, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Minister in the Premier's Department of Sarawak and assemblyman for Kakus, wished everyone a happy Gawai Dayak. The message, delivered in Malay, was live-streamed across multiple platforms, reaching a wide audience. Minister Tayai's message focused on responsible spending during the festive season. He urged celebrants to avoid excessive spending, highlighting the upcoming financial burdens associated with children's education, including school fees and university costs. "Let's celebrate Gawai Dayak with prudence," Tayai stated in his message. "Let's use our money wisely, especially with the costs of sending our children to school and university." The video, which lasted less than a minute, concluded with a simple "Selamat Gawai" (Happy Gawai) message. The minister's call for responsible spending during the celebrations serves as a timely reminder of the importance of financial planning, particularly for families.