JOHOR BARU: Despite a sea that separates them from their hometowns, Johor’s substantial Sarawakian and Sabahan communities are celebrating their Gawai and Kaamatan in ways both big and small.
The Johor Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) held its Kaamatan celebration in early May as it wanted to crown its own Unduk Ngadau (harvest queen), who then participated at the national-level ceremony in Sabah on Friday.
Meanwhile, Johor’s Dayaks are organising a statewide Gawai celebration at the end of June.Gawai is celebrated on June 1 and 2, while Kaamatan is celebrated in Sabah on May 30 and 31.For Joseph Oui (pic), 48, Gawai was marked with a special dinner with the family on Friday. He said he and his family did not return to their hometown of Kapit, Sarawak, as their longhouse is currently under renovation.
“It is always best to celebrate Gawai in the longhouse, as you will be surrounded by family and friends. However, this year, we do not have a longhouse to gather in. Our longhouse is being upgraded,” he said.The father of three said the special dinner was also accompanied by a countdown to midnight, as Gawai started yesterday.
“We will be attending the Gawai celebration at the Majodi Centre in Plentong on June 29. The celebration is at the end of June, as many Sarawakians here will be back from their hometowns by then,” Joseph said.
According to the Anak Borneo Semenanjung Association, it is estimated that there are about 20,000 Sarawakians and 10,000 Sabahans living and working in Johor.
Johnathan George Jantai, 51, said he and his family did not return to their hometown in Sibu, Sarawak, for Gawai this year due to work commitments.
“The National Unity Ministry recently held its Unity Week in Johor, and I was involved in the four-day programme.
“Normally, I would be back in Sibu for about one month, but this year, I decided to stay in Johor for Gawai to help out for the event.
“However, my family and I will still be celebrating Gawai with the community at the church at the end of this month, where we will also prepare and bring some traditional food to be shared,” said the father of two.
Sabahan Elle Robert, 42, said despite being away from her hometown in Ranau, she was still able to have a full and cheerful Kaamatan in Johor earlier this month.
“The Johor KDCA would normally organise a Kaamatan festival in early May. This year, it was held for two days, on May 4 and May 5.
“Although it was held early, it was still a very good and meaningful way for us to celebrate it with the community, including Johoreans from other cultures.
“For Kaamatan, I am only preparing a simple dinner for my husband and son. For me, that is the most important thing – to be around family for the festival,” she said.
