‘This is the true spirit of unity’: MBKS mayor at Sg Apong Baru Gawai Dayak parade

Wee together with the residents of Sungai Apong Baru during the Gawai Dayal Parade 2026 held at the Sungai Apong Baru multipurpose hall in Kuching on May 23, 2026.

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, May 23: Residents from different ethnic backgrounds filled the streets of Sungai Apong Baru with colourful traditional attire and festive spirit during a Gawai Dayak parade held here today.

The celebration was organised with the support of the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), showcasing strong community spirit and togetherness.

The roughly 3km parade around Lorong Sungai Apong Baru featured participants in traditional attire, accompanied by cultural performances and festive music, bringing vibrancy to the neighbourhood.

Speaking at the event, MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the celebration reflected unity, friendship, culture, and strong community bonds among residents in Kuching South.

Residents in colourful traditional attire at the Gawai Parade 2026, seen strutting along the streets of Sungai Apong Baru in Kuching on May 23, 2026.

“Today is not just about a parade. Today is about unity, friendship, culture, and community spirit,” he said while officiating the parade.

He also expressed appreciation to all organisers for their joint efforts in making the event a success, while giving special recognition to Tuai Rumah Lunta Lendek, who he described as the ‘Iron Lady’ of the Sungai Apong Baru village, security, and development committee (JKKK), for her dedication and leadership in coordinating the programme.

Wee (second right) during the officiation of the Gawai Parade 2026 at Sungai Apong Baru in Kuching on May 23, 2026.

“What makes me happiest today is seeing people from different races and backgrounds coming together in this celebration. This is the true spirit of unity. This is what makes Kuching South special,” he added.

He added that programmes like the parade play an important role in strengthening friendship, understanding, and harmony among the community.

Wee (centre, last row) in a group photo with the cheerful children of Sungai Apong Baru following the Gawai Parade 2026 in Kuching on May 23, 2026.

Wee also said MBKS will continue working closely with residents to improve the quality of life in Sungai Apong Baru and across Kuching South, and reiterated the council’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure, public facilities, roads, drainage, lighting, parks, and recreational spaces for the benefit of residents.

Beyond physical development, he said MBKS will also continue supporting community-driven initiatives such as cultural programmes, youth activities, health campaigns, and environmental awareness efforts.

“A strong city is not built only with buildings and roads. A strong city is built with caring communities, mutual respect, and unity among the people,” he said.

He also reminded the public to be wise in evaluating leaders, noting that some only appear during election periods while neglecting their ground responsibilities in between. — DayakDaily