The ‘miring’ ceremony in session at Fort Sylvia. Seated, from left are Jamit, Nyabong, Masing, Elvis, Jaul Samion and Dominic.
KAPIT: It is hoped that the Gawai Bazaar would be made an annual event, just like the Ramadan and Chinese New Year bazaars.
According to Kapit District officer Elvis Didit, the bazaar at the old airport here will run till May 20, selling various food, drinks and merchandise items.
“This bazaar provides an opportunity for local Dayak traders and entrepreneurs to exhibit their produce throughout the three weeks.
“They can sell anything under the sun — except illegal goods that contravene the law, of course. It is open for all Dayaks traders and entrepreneurs including those from outside Kapit, but they must carry out their business throughout the period,” he said after the grand opening here on Sunday.
He said the organiser had received 60 applications for stalls at the bazaar, which was an encouraging response considering that it was the first to be held here, following the success of the first programme in Miri last year followed by Kanowit.
“We are renting the canopies, each measuring 20ft-by-20ft, to stall operators at RM450 each. They can either rent it individually, or on share basis in which one canopy can easily accommodate two traders. We have proposed for the setup of 50 canopies,” he said further.
Elvis also believed that since the bazaar was the first-ever of its kind in this town, the organiser wanted it to have a grand introduction through a parade comprising local folk, as well as community and political leaders, including Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing.
The Sunday evening parade began with a ‘miring’ (seeking of blessing) ceremony at the historical Fort Sylvia. The participants, led by Masing, then proceeded with the procession that went past Jalan Kubu, Jalan Tan Sit Leong, Jalan Penghulu Nyanggau and Jalan Airport, before ending at the old airport.
“It was a colourful event, with the men and women wearing traditional costumes. The parade also included members of Kelab Gagung Sibu Sarawak, whom we specially invited to the event,” said Elvis, adding that the bazaar would also host a variety of activities other than sales, such as shows by Dayak artistes, lucky draws, cultural performances and a beauty pageant for mothers.
Meanwhile Masing, who is the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Baleh and also Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, was all-out in supporting the proposal to make Gawai Bazaar an annual event. He was encouraged by the idea that the bazaar could offer the chance to Dayak traders to gain some extra income in preparation for Gawai Dayak, which falls on June 1.
“The Gawai Bazaar is far different from the fun fair typically held before Gawai Dayak. The Gawai Bazaar is one that highlights the Dayak identity — it’s a chance for Dayak entrepreneurs to exhibit, promote and sell their products and at the same time, to earn money to bring home for Gawai celebrations.
“Here, they can sell anything including mobile reloads, food and drinks, ‘tuak’ (local rice wine), local cakes, as well as traditional items like beadworks and ‘pua kumpu’ (traditional Iban woven cloth).
“Having said this, I’m proud that it is being held here and the response has been encouraging. This proves that if given the opportunity, the Dayaks would never hesitate in venturing into business, just like other communities,” he observed.
Masing was with other BN candidates Jefferson Jamit Unyat (Bukit Goram) and Wilson Nyabong (Pelagus) at the event on Sunday. Also present were permanent secretary to Land Development Ministry, Datu Jaul Samion; Kapit Deputy Residents, Minggu Jampong (development) and Zul Usup (social development); Kapit Agriculture Department assistant director Dominic Chunggat; Kapit Welfare Department officer Peter Gabong and Kapit District police chief DSP Freddy Bian.