SEMATAN – The Mat Ngolong Ceremony, also known as the Carpet Rolling Ceremony, continues to serve as a meaningful cultural tradition that strengthens the identity of the Salako community while fostering unity and cooperation.
Member of the State Assembly (ADUN) for Opar, Billy Sujang, who officiated the 2025 Carpet Rolling Ceremony at Kampung Judin Community Hall on Friday, emphasised the importance of such events in enhancing the spirit of teamwork and solidarity, particularly among the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and the Women’s Bureau.
“This kind of cultural celebration helps nurture unity, encourages mutual assistance, and reinforces our shared identity as a community,” he said.
Billy further noted that the Gawai Festival, including its closing rites like the Mat Ngolong, is a powerful symbol of cultural pride and serves as a unifying celebration for all communities in the Opar constituency, regardless of background or generation.
He also took the opportunity to reaffirm that various development projects in the DUN Opar area would continue to be rolled out progressively.
The event was also attended by Sarawak Administration Officer for Sematan Sub-District, Mohd Ameerullah Roslan; Pemanca Allen Manium Enggang; Head of Wang Ering, Kutong Enggang; and Kampung Judin Village Leader, Adris Kabon.
