LETTER | This year's Gawai celebration must follow SOP

LETTER | Sarawak is famous for its multi-ethnic and cultural diversity. Every year in June, the Dayaks in Sarawak will celebrate the Gawai celebration.

This year, Gawai festivals must follow the standard operating procedures (SOP), and movement between zones and cross-districts is not allowed, except for required services and having a police permit or letter from the employer, during the implementation of movement control order (MCO) in Sarawak.

The people cannot return to the village as usual.

Covid-19 positive cases in Sarawak are on the rise and worrying, so we must abide by the government's directive so that the Covid-19 epidemic can be eradicated from continuing to spread, those who want to return to the village should cancel their intention to safeguard the safety and health of their beloved families.

The people of Sarawak are accustomed to living together in peace and harmony, respecting each other's festivals, cultures and beliefs without provocation that could trigger racial problems. This only happens when those who do not get along well or do not know the cultural customs and beliefs of others so as to cause misunderstanding.

In conjunction with this year's Gawai festival, Sarawak PAS would like to wish Happy Gawai Day, especially to the Dayaks, so that they can celebrate it happily by complying with the SOPs set by the government. If Malaysians generally want the Covid-19 pandemic to be reduced, Malaysians need to be disciplined and adhere to SOPs and take care of their health as best they can. Stay safe and healthy.

So let us take care of ourselves, and continue to stay at home with our beloved family. Even if we can’t meet face to face as usual what matters is we are safe and healthy always.

Selamat ngintu ari Gawai Dayak, gayu guru gerai nyamai lantang senang nguan menoa.

JOFRI JARAIEE is Sarawak PAS commissioner cum Miri PAS chief.

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