Young working adults in Sarawak are scaling back Gawai celebrations this year, choosing meaningful family time over lavish gatherings as living costs continue to rise.
With Gawai Dayak just around the corner, many young Sarawakians are rethinking how they celebrate. Interviews with working adults in their 20s reveal a common theme — budgets are tighter, priorities have shifted, but the spirit of togetherness remains strong.
Location: Kuching, Sarawak
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Junior civil engineer Valentine Mapan Jalan, 25, said his family’s celebration will be quieter this year as they prioritise elderly relatives’ well-being. “We don’t need extravagance to show our hospitality,” he said.
Executive Irvina Joan, 24, noted rising fuel and daily expenses have limited her travel plans to visit relatives in other areas. She credited government aid like STR, SARA, and SKAS for helping ease some financial pressure.
Administrative assistant Lydia Hyginus, 25, said she cut her Gawai budget this year, skipping new family outfits. “Every moment during Gawai feels precious because it is one of the few times when my whole family can gather,” she said.
Despite the tighter budgets, all three emphasised that the essence of Gawai — family reunions, shared meals, and cultural traditions — remains unchanged.
Source: The Borneo Post
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