PASIR GUDANG – Despite being far away from their loved ones, members of the Dayak community in Pasir Gudang who could not return home to Sarawak gathered last night to celebrate Gawai Dayak.
The moderate celebration today was made merrier with the presentation of the traditional Iban ngajat dance to the beat of drums, and the serving of various traditional delicacies.
Johor Baru Dayak Muslim Association chairman Mohammad Nicholas Abdullah said, to preserve customs, those who did not return to their hometowns came together to celebrate, after two years of missing such gatherings due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said most of the Dayak community did not return home for Gawai this year as they had done so for Christmas last year, adding that air tickets had also become expensive.
“This year we could gather and cook special dishes such as ayam pansuh (a chicken dish), laksa Sarawak and traditional cakes such as penyaram.
“We are very grateful for being able to carry out these activities and celebrate Gawai Day. Although we have converted to Islam, we continue our Dayak culture,” he said when met at the gathering.
Nicholas, who hails from Kg Moyan Lidang in Kota Samarahan, and has resided in Johor for the past 30 years, said there are more than 1,000 Dayak Muslims in Johor. – Bernama, June 1, 2022
