BINTULU – The Kedayan community’s New Year’s Dinner in Kampung Kuala Nyalau is expected to be elevated into an official annual event, following a proposal to strengthen the tradition and expand its role in uniting the community.
Bintulu District Officer Awang Mohammed Nizam Awang Ali Bohan said the dinner, which has been passed down through generations, plays an important role in preserving cultural identity and fostering solidarity.
“We want to organise a new year’s dinner on a larger scale and ensure that it is included in the annual calendar,” he said during the postponement of the Bintulu Divisional Community Solidarity Walk (RSK) Programme 2025 in Kampung Kuala Nyalau.
He explained that future celebrations would involve leaders from Samalaju, Jepak and Tanjong Batu constituencies, thereby broadening participation and reinforcing community involvement in cultural preservation.
Traditionally held after the harvest season, the Kedayan New Year’s Dinner is a symbol of gratitude and togetherness.
The Kedayan community is largely concentrated in northern Sarawak, including Bintulu, Miri, Bekenu, Sibuti and Niah, making the custom a vital part of their cultural heritage.
At the same event, Awang Mohammed Nizam also announced the return of the Bintulu Regatta after a 14-year hiatus.
Scheduled from 4 to 7 December at the Bintulu Waterfront, the regatta will feature traditional boat races and water sports activities, expected to draw wide participation and enliven the district’s cultural landscape.
He urged residents of Kampung Kuala Nyalau to actively support the regatta, noting that community involvement is key to ensuring its success.
“I want all residents of Kampung Kuala Nyalau to be involved in making the Bintulu Regatta a success,” he stressed.
Both initiatives – the Kedayan New Year’s Dinner and the revival of the Bintulu Regatta – highlight the district’s commitment to celebrating cultural traditions while fostering unity and community spirit.
