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The White Cat statue in Padungan is now wearing a printed songket-inspired red and green vest — a vibrant symbol of Gawai Dayak and Sarawak's cultural harmony. [image: N7CZ25RmCjRDHts] The special attire was unveiled during a lighting ceremony at the iconic statue on May 26, officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said the annual lighting tradition reflects Sarawak's inclusive spirit and the harmony among its people. "I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Selamat Hari Gawai, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai," Dr Sim said. As people are travelling back for Gawai, Dr Sim reminded motorists to drive carefully. "Road conditions are improving, but please drive safely. If you drink, don't drive. If you drive, don't drink." Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng explained that a printed songket-inspired material was chosen instead of Pua Kumbu textile out of respect for Dayak cultural sensitivities. "When dressing the statue, it is important for us to consult and respect the cultures of others," he said. The mayor also drew a parallel between the open-door tradition of longhouse culture and Sarawak's unity: "If you have been to a longhouse, all the pintu are 'buka' (open). This openness is the heartbeat of our Sarawak unity." Location: Padungan, Kuching Details: White Cat statue in songket-inspired Gawai Dayak vest; lighting ceremony officiated by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian and MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

"How can a ticket to go back to my hometown for Gawai cost up to RM1,000? Isn't Borneo also part of Malaysia?" Sarawakian singer and influencer Miss Alvy took to Threads today to call out what she describes as "unreasonable" flight prices ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration. She highlighted that a return ticket from Peninsular Malaysia to Borneo can cost up to RM1,000 — enough, she said, to travel overseas. Many netizens from Sabah and Sarawak chimed in, sharing their own horror stories of festive season airfares, with some saying return tickets can hit RM1,900. According to Miss Alvy, many East Malaysians have been forced to delay returning home for years because of the high ticket prices. Some families can only reunite during major holidays, while others simply cannot afford it at all. The post has reignited the long-standing debate about the high cost of air connectivity between Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia, especially during festive seasons like Gawai and Hari Raya. Location: Kuching / Sarawak When: May 26, 2026 [image: 1779775360441-miss-alvy-airfare.jpg] Miss Alvy. Photo credit: Facebook / DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily What do you think?