KUCHING: Camaraderie within the hall, cultural heritage, and unity were clearly evident during the 7th Annual Gawai Dayak and Ngintu (Celebration) Dinner of the Borneo Children Community in Peninsular Malaysia (ABS), which was celebrated with great enthusiasm on Saturday night in Puchong, Selangor.
According to a news report, the celebration brought together the community of Borneo children from Sarawak and Sabah who reside in Peninsular Malaysia.
This also served as a symbol of unity, the strengthening of identity, and undying love for the land where they now live.
Over seven years of growth, ABS has consistently demonstrated its role as a bridge connecting the Borneo community in various ways through numerous programs focused on well-being, traditional games, and community development.
In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mas Gading, Mordi Bimol, expressed his highest respect to the leaders of ABS who have shown deep commitment to ensuring the culture, customs, and good values of the Borneo community continue to be preserved, even far from their homeland.
"Malaysia is known as a country with a diverse range of races, religions, and cultures. In all this diversity lies the strength of our nation.
“Despite our different origins, we can gather in happiness, caring for and loving one another as an advantage, not as a difference that separates us,” he said.
The celebration was organized in conjunction with the upcoming Gawai Dayak Festival – a celebration synonymous with the Dayak community in Sarawak, which carries the meaning of giving thanks for the harvest, blessings, and fortunes of life.
Similarly, the event also extended a call to the Sabah community, who will be celebrating the Kaamatan Festival – a harvest festival that also expresses gratitude, togetherness, and the joy of the multi-ethnic community.
Many traditional cultural elements, such as ethnic costumes, music, ngajat (traditional dance), and heritage cuisine, elevated the celebration, serving as an excellent platform to introduce Borneo culture to the younger generation and the wider community.
Mordi called on the youth to become the inheritors of their cultural heritage and to continue preserving traditions while strengthening themselves with knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities for the future.
“The government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), remains committed to providing various youth development initiatives, including in the fields of volunteering, international exchanges, leadership, and community development,” he said.
In line with this, ABS President Ganging Ling Sanggau shared that they hope to establish strategic cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), especially in the area of youth development.
"ABS aims to organize three major programs specifically for Sabah and Sarawak youth in Peninsular Malaysia, focusing on youth activities, sports, and leadership development.
“ABS truly welcomes collaboration to organize programs with KBS. While such programs may require a substantial budget, they can also greatly help in promoting and preserving Borneo’s cultural heritage,” he said.