By DayakDaily Team
BETONG, June 7: The Gawai Dayak Parade 2025 in Betong Division stands as a powerful platform to showcase the rich and vibrant Dayak culture to the world, while simultaneously positioning Betong as an emerging tourism destination.
In a TVS news report, Betong MP Dato Dr Richard Rapu highlighted that the event not only promotes cultural heritage but also opens up economic opportunities for the local community through tourism-related activities.
“This is an excellent opportunity for us to present the authentic Dayak culture to a global audience.
“It also has the potential to uplift the socio-economic wellbeing of the local community in Betong specifically, and in Sarawak more broadly, through tourism,” he said
He delivered the remarks on behalf of Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, during the official opening of the Gawai Dayak Parade 2025 for the Betong Division, held at the Betong Sports Complex today.
This year’s celebration featured a lively 1.8-kilometre parade route around Betong town, with a total of 1,519 participants from 18 contingents, competing under four categories:
Category A involved government departments, statutory bodies, and private companies; Category B for community leaders, longhouses, villages, NGOs, and local town groups; Category C for Secondary schools and Category D for Primary schools.
The parade served not only as a colourful display of traditional attire, music, and dance, but also as a celebration of unity and pride among the diverse communities of Sarawak.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and Layar assemblyman Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu was present. — DayakDaily
