MIRI – As fears abound over new waves of Covid-19, especially in light of the dangerous new variants, longhouse folk in Sarawak are being barred from holding Christmas celebrations along the common corridors of their settlements.
Chieftains of longhouses have instructed the residents against holding the gatherings.
The Baram branch of the Society for Rights of Indigenous Peoples of Sarawak has urged all rural folk to abide by the prohibition.
Branch representative Michael Ding told The Vibes today that the longhouse chiefs had issued warnings about potential new spread of the virus.
“There will be absolutely no Christmas celebration or gathering among the populace,” he said.
“The usual common gathering along the longhouse corridor is barred.
“Families are allowed to converge within the confines of the biliks (rooms) they live in but they cannot meet along the corridor for feasting or celebration.”
In addition, longhouse folks working and living in urban districts who want to return to their rural settlements are required to undergo Covid-19 tests and secure negative results before going back, he said.
Due to the restrictions, many families in cities and towns will not be travelling back to their rural homes, he added.
Ding, who is from Kg Kuala Tutoh, said he and his family will spend Christmas in Miri city.
His home village is located about five hours by speedboat from Miri. – The Vibes, December 23, 2021
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