MIRI: For the first time, Miri city will host the 2025 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Traditional Carnival, which is scheduled to take place on June 12 and 13 at the FORUM Cultural Centre, Miri.

Organizing Chairman, Dato Dennis Ngau said that choosing Miri as the location for the event is an effort to bring the excitement of the Gawai celebration closer to the community in northern Sarawak, in addition to introducing the rich customs and culture of the Dayak community to the younger generation and tourists.

“More than 13 traditional game events will be contested throughout the two-day carnival,” he said during the 25th Edition Highlanders 2025 Postponement Dinner on Monday.

According to Dato Dennis, among the exciting events that will enliven the day are tug-of-war, chopstick competitions and various other traditional sports, with a total prize pool of RM500,000.

He added that on the night of June 12, the main stage of the FORUM Cultural Centre will be livened up with the Datun Julud traditional dance competition and Sape Duo performance, and admission is free.

The Telang Usan Assemblyman added that the highlight will be on the night of June 13 through the Miss Gawai Sarawak 2025 competition, which will bring together Gawai queens from all parts of the state including Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Sri Aman.

“This competition will be officiated by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, cum Chairman of the Sarawak Level Gawai Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas with a grand prize of RM15,000 awaiting the winner.

“Entry tickets for this event are RM20 per person, excluding dinner,” he said.

Dato Dennis also informed that the parking area in FORUM will be closed to make way for the carnival.

Therefore, he said, visitors are advised to use the parking lot at the New Bus Terminal, where a free shuttle service is provided from 6 am to 12.30 midnight throughout the two-day event.

“We want to ensure that all visitors are comfortable and can enjoy this carnival without any inconvenience,” he added.

This carnival is expected to attract thousands of visitors from all over the state and will be one of the biggest Gawai celebrations ever held in Miri.-UKASnews