Premier greenlights Redeems Centre to hold int’l ethnic festival, allocates over RM1mln to upgrade parking lot

Abang Johari (right) hitting the drum as a gimmick to officiate 16th Gawai Carnival Redeems 2024 while others look on. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas)

By DayakDaily Team

BAU, July 28: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has given the green light for the Association of Research and Development Movement of Singai Sarawak (Redeems) to organise an international ethnic festival.

Abang Johari said he would instruct the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, to work on the matter.

“With its stages and longhouses, this will turn (Redeems Centre) into a cultural centre. I support the proposal to organise a tribal festival here,” he said when attending the 16th Gawai Carnival Redeems 2024 held at the Redeems Centre in Singai, Bau, yesterday (July 27).

On July 17, the Association of Research and Development Movement of Singai Sarawak (Redeems) president, Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusi, said the iconic Gawai Carnival Redeems (GCR) should be elevated into a world ethnic festival.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari also approved an allocation of more than RM1 million to upgrade the Redeems Centre parking lot.

He said the allocation will be given through Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak and Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep’s additional minor rural project (MRP) fund.

He also requested Henry to coordinate with  Peter regarding the development.

“I hope that it will benefit the community here,” he added.

On another note, in updating Peter about the allocation promised last year to install air-conditioning units in Redeem Halls, Abang Johari said it is currently in the tender process.

According to him, by November this year, a contractor will be appointed for the work, and it is expected to be completed before next year’s Gawai Dayak. — DayakDaily