03/06/2026

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 3, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

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Bidayuh village upholds decades-old birarak tradition o Event represents unifying force, link between generations: Community member various states and countries, all eager to witness firsthand how the Bidayuh Bukar community in Serian celebrates Gawai Dayak.

Sabah women revitalise indigenous lias handicraft KUALA LUMPUR: Behind the popularity of rattan and bamboo, lias handicraft items are now emerging as a hidden gem from the interior of Ulu Sugut in Ranau, Sabah, that not only fuels the indigenous economy but also revives traditional treasures that are almost extinct. Lias handicraft entrepreneur Junisa Agang, 43, said the uniqueness of lias , which is a wild plant from the palm family, is now an attraction after being featured at the Borneo Native Festival (BNF) 2026 recently. She said the effort, which started with just five women last year, has now grown to 80 participants involving more than five villages in Ulu Sugut, thus injecting income into the local community consisting of housewives, single mothers and youth. “In Sabah, the lias tree is (known among locals), but in most districts, it is extinct. So, it is an advantage for us in Ulu Sugut to still have (them).” She added that realising the tree is becoming increasingly difficult to find, she is determined to promote lias products to ensure that the traditional heritage of the Dusun Tinagas community is not lost. Junisa also said their community now produces about 30 types of items, including modern handbags and wallets, without neglecting traditional Dusun Tinagas designs such as the basung (basket), barait (backpack) and the bubu (fish trap). She said each product is the result of a personal touch that requires great patience, adding that a complicated handbag could take as long as three days to complete. “Each bag design is the result of (individual) creativity. So, we took the approach of undergoing a short-term training for three days at the Sabah Handicraft Centre in Keningau to improve our sewing skills.” She said previously they only received small orders from Singapore, but their involvement in the BNF gave them the opportunity to introduce the product to foreign tourists, including those from Cambodia and China. Meanwhile, in Sarawak, rattan and bamboo products have become the mainstay for the women of the longhouses in Nanga Sumpa, Lubok Antu. Nanga Sumpa Handicraft Association representative Jani Muking, 49, said participating for the first time in BNF 2026 through the sponsorship of Sarawak Energy opens a new chapter in promoting the community’s artistic products to visitors at home and abroad. “Normally we only sell handicraft products to tourists who visit the Nanga Sumpa homestay but through BNF, we are not only able to promote handicraft products but also introduce the traditional treasures of the Lubok Antu community.” Jani said each handicraft unit such as gaga (basket), bemban (handbag), raga (basket), seluk (basket made using a tying technique) and sintung (rattan basket) on display is a symbol of the sweat of about 30 longhouse women who are determined to preserve the heritage of their ancestors. BNF 2026, which took place at Pasar Seni from May 22 to May 24 is an annual event organised by the Kuala Lumpur Sukaseni Association in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival in Sabah and Gawai Day in Sarawak. – Bernama

Committee remains a lasting symbol of Bidayuh identity, with the event drawing some 3,000 participants and visitors this year. Besides parading through the village, participants also stopped at several stations to interact with residents and join various cultural activities that form an integral part of the celebration. Meanwhile, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg told reporters at the Gawai Dayak 2026 Open House that holding such parades helps introduce Sarawak’s culture to both Malaysians and the international community. He said local television channels and digital platforms such as YouTube make it possible to showcase the unique cultural traditions of the state’s diverse ethnic communities to a much wider audience. “We are grateful to media practitioners who cover and promote these Gawai Dayak parades in Sarawak. “In fact, through YouTube, these traditions are also being shared with the global community, sparking their interest to learn more about the multi-ethnic, multi-faith way of life in Sarawak.”

“The visitors don’t just help showcase our culture globally, they also give a real boost to local tourism and economy.” The presence of international visitors at this year’s parade shows that its appeal has stretched beyond the borders of Sarawak. Aaron Richards, 42, from the United States, who now works in Kuala Lumpur, attended the Gawai Dayak celebration for the first time after being invited by his girlfriend, a Bidayuh native. “This is my first time joining such an event and I am looking forward to seeing the local culture and interacting with the (community).” Sharing a similar enthusiasm for Sarawak’s culture, James Handfield-Jones from the United Kingdom said the allure of the Land of the Hornbills has kept him coming back to various Gawai celebrations throughout more than two decades of living in the state. The joint effort by the Gawai Taee organising committee and Kampung Taee’s Village Development and Security

SERIAN: Beneath the vibrant costumes, thunder of gongs and the pulse of ethnic music at the Gawai Dayak Parade in Kampung Taee lies a remarkable story of 56 years of unwavering commitment by the local community to preserve a tradition, passed down uninterrupted since 1970. As modern pressures wear away at age-old practices, the Bidayuh of Kampung Taee, just 60km from Kuching, refuse to let their ancestral heritage fade, keeping it alive through the annual birarak (parade), where young and old march together, Bernama reported. For Malvern Lister, 42, that continuity was clear to see as he watched his two children join a parade that has been part of his life since childhood. Having first taken part at the age of 10, Malvern has never missed the opportunity to join the procession, which stands as the centrepiece of the Gawai Dayak celebration in his village.

“Ever since I was born, my whole family has been involved in this birarak . Now my two children are taking part too, so that’s three generations. I hope they will continue to keep this tradition alive in the years ahead. “We take pride in still being able to host this parade every year. We hope more individuals from across the globe will come to Kampung Taee to experience Bidayuh culture and heritage for themselves.” He added that the parade, deeply rooted in the Dayak community’s rice harvesting tradition, is far more than an annual event. He said it is a unifying force for the community and a vital link between multiple generations. That same passion is shared by McWilkins Benadik, 33, who views the 5km procession winding through the village as a powerful platform to introduce Bidayuh culture to the wider world. He added that Kampung Taee welcomes visitors every year from

Participants of the parade dressed in traditional Bidayuh attire at Kampung Taee. – BERNAMAPIC

‘Finas instrumental to national creative industry’ KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) has continued to developing the country’s film and creative industries, including

towards

enhancing

industry

penetrating global markets.” Fahmi said efforts to strengthen the welfare and protection of members of the creative industry would continue to be a government priority to ensure the sustainability of the national film sector in facing the challenges of the digital age. He also expressed appreciation to all creative industry players for their continued contributions

standards. “Thank you to all industry players and movers for your services and commitment. “May Finas continue to excel in driving Malaysia’s film industry to even greater heights.” Officially established on June 1, 1981, Finas celebrated its 45th anniversary on Monday. – Bernama

nurturing talent, empowering local productions and creating more opportunities for industry players. “Despite facing an increasingly challenging digital era, Finas remains crucial in ensuring that Malaysia’s film, animation and creative content industries remain competitive and capable of

demonstrate its role as one of the key catalysts in the development of the nation’s creative industry ecosystem throughout its 45 years of establishment. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said during that period, Finas played an important role in