Dennis (right) presents a bag of goodies to a resident of Anjung Kasih, witnessed by others.
MIRI: The Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak Committee 2017 kicked off this year’s celebration by visiting the paediatric ward of Miri Hospital to present Gawai gifts to patients there.
The visit which brought cheer to 65 patients there comprised 15 members of the committee headed by Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
Also joining them was Miri Resident Sherrina Husaini, who is also an advisor to the committee.
“The visit was a small way for the Dayak community in Miri to contribute and support the calls by our state and federal leaders, for every citizen of the country to work towards maintaining peace and harmony in our country,” said Dennis.
He added that as one of the pioneer members of the Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak Committee when it was decided that a joint Gawai celebration be held annually in Miri over 15 years ago, he wished to see the good effort continue to be upheld in many years to come.
“Of course at the same time, the committee always welcomesnew ideas to enhance the Miri Gawai Dayak celebration,” he said further.
Meanwhile, the organising chairperson for the visit, Betty Pan, said the visit was to present hampers and Gawai Dayak goodies to children at the ward.
Apart from the children, 15 families putting up at the hospital’s temporary accommodation, the ‘Anjung Kasih’, also received contributions from the committee during the visit.
All residents of Anjung Kasih are from poor families from the rural areas who are there to take care of their sick family members warded in Miri Hospital.
“The Gawai contribution is also a way to remind us not to forget those who are sick and underprivileged.
“We hope our simple contribution can brighten their days, so that they do not feel neglected,” added Betty.
The gesture, among others, is also part of the committee’s effort to foster closer ties with staff and employees of Miri Hospital.
The organising chairman for this year’s organising committee, Wilfred Mac, also expressed his thanks and gratitude to the management of the hospital, especially Matron Chau and the nurses, for making the visit possible.
Meanwhile, the Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak Committee is a joint collaboration between Dayak Association Miri (DAM), Serakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia (Forum), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Miri, Kenyah National Association Sarawak (PKKS), Sarawak Kayan Association (PKS), Sarawak Berawan Association (PBS), Sarawak Lun Bawang Association (PLBS), Rurum Kelabit Sarawak (RKS), Sarawak Lakiout Association (PLS), Sarawak Bisaya Association Miri (PBSM), Saban Community Association Miri (PMSM), Penan Petipun Association Sarawak (PETIPUN) as well as Miri Resident’s Office.
The committee this year is hosted by DAM, while SIDS is the co-host.
The highlight of the celebration will be the Divisional Gawai Dayak Dinner 2017 which will take place on May 13 at Meritz Hotel. The dinner will witness the presentation of education awards to outstanding Dayak students and the crowning of Miri Division Kumang Gawai, Keligit Orang Ulu as well as Keling/Belawan 2017.
Tickets for the dinner priced at RM800 and RM600 per table of ten persons are currently on sale. Those interested to purchase them can contact Wilfred Mac (013-8261997) or the organising treasurer Caroline Siburat (0128518938) or DAM’s office at 085-435467 during office hours.
Dennis (second left) talks to a family at the paediatric ward as Wilfred (left) looks on.