Miri Gawai Bazaar, Ethnocultural Festival expected to generate RM1.8 mln in revenue

Uggah (centre) together with other distinguished guests upon arrival at the Gawai Dayak Bazaar and Ethnocultural Festival at Bandar Baru Permyjaya in Miri on May 4, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By Amanda L

MIRI, May 5: The Gawai Dayak Bazaar and Ethnocultural Festival is projected to generate up to RM1.8 million in revenue this year, driven by strong public response and the participation of more than 70 traders at Bandar Baru Permyjaya.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the projected increase underscores the growing economic impact of cultural festivals in Sarawak, not only as tourism drivers but also as platforms that strengthen unity and cultural identity.

“The figure marks an increase from the RM1.3 million recorded previously in Kuching, reflecting stronger market response and the continued growth of cultural tourism activities despite unfavourable weather conditions,” he said when officiating the Gawai Dayak Bazaar and Ethnocultural Festival on Monday (May 4), which was streamed live via the Ukas Channel.

Beyond revenue generation, Uggah said the bazaar continues to serve as an important platform for small traders and entrepreneurs to enhance their income and expand their market reach, including through the gradual adoption of digital business practices in line with the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

Large crowd at the opening ceremony of Gawai Dayak Bazaar and Ethnocultural Festival at Bandar Baru Permyjaya in Miri on May 4, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

He added that the Sarawak government’s move to rotate the hosting of Gawai celebrations to Miri forms part of a broader strategy to decentralise major cultural events beyond Kuching, allowing more regions to benefit from increased participation, tourism and economic opportunities.

“This approach promotes more inclusive development while giving different regions the opportunity to host major State-level events,” he said.

On community participation, Uggah said the successful organisation of the festival was made possible through strong collaboration between non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local communities, reflecting the enduring “Segulai Sejalai” spirit.

He also stressed that the ethnocultural component of the festival extends beyond performances and traditional attire, encompassing broader aspects of Sarawak’s rich heritage, including lifestyles, values, history and identity among its diverse ethnic communities.

In addition, he noted that traditional cultural expressions such as the ngajat dance, Orang Ulu performances, weaving and ethnic cuisine hold strong potential to be further developed into valuable tourism products and economic assets for Sarawak. — DayakDaily