KUCHING: Gawai Dayak for the Bidayuh Biya community of Kampung Sapit in Ulu Padawan was no less meaningful despite the restriction on ‘ngabang’ (house-to-house visits by celebrators) due to the conditional movement control order (CMCO).
A member of the Sarawak General Operation Force monitoring the safety zone. 
While others are celebrating Gawai, personnel of Sarawak General Operation Force are on duty, to ensure the safety of the national border.
This year’s celebration was toned down with small gatherings where social distancing was practised while the whole country is still grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic. This manner of celebrating was to protect the health of the community and their relatives at Kampung Gun Tembawang in Kalimantan.
Tucked at the foot of Mount Seraong on the Sarawak-Kalimantan border, the inhabitants of the two villages are of the same stock and speak the same language.
Kampung Sapit headman Yuyuh Gumi, described this year’s Gawai as odd compared to those of previous years.
He said it felt strange to celebrate without having large gatherings and free movement of people. In the past they could visit their relatives across the border if they so wished.
“Usually, we have big family gatherings and exchange visits, and we always want to be the first to cross the border,” he said.
Regarding the restrictions imposed by the government, he acknowledged that they are necessary in order to contain the spread of Covid-19.
“There will always be more Gawai in future. For now, what is more important is everyone’s safety. We must take care of each other,” he said.
A must-have dishes during Gawai. 
Biscuits and other delicacies to share among family and friends. 
A must-have dishes during Gawai. 
Tasty treats are in abundance for guests to savour.
