Tiong (in blue T-shirt) sampling Dayak food during his Gawai visit to a longhouse.
THE Gawai celebration kept Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing busy as he visited several longhouses in Bintulu and Sibu.
The longhouses were Rumah Ukar Kenyalang and Rh Renga Layang in Bintulu as well as Rh Alice Nori Langot, Rh Nyudang Jalin, Rh Dayong Sahak, Rh Dinnis Umpol Andrew Ungon, Rh Dinnis, Rh Madgeline Tugang, Rh Raymond Bandang and Rh Penghulu Peter John in Sibu.
Tiong, who is Dudong assemblyman and Bintulu MP, said he took the opportunity to learn about the problems faced by each longhouse, especially some in Dudong with unstable water and electricity supply.
He said the Sarawak government was committed to improving the supply of water and electricity to ensure better living standards in the interior.
Tiong said this would be done in stages and hoped the residents would be patient.
As Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, he also vowed to promote the uniqueness of Dayak culture worldwide.
Tiong said he plans to take advantage of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China in 2024 to hold a cultural exchange programme on ethnic minorities to promote mutual understanding.
