A recent Facebook posting stated that 712,692 people are expected to return to Sarawak over the next two weeks for the Gawai Dayak Festival. If this figure accurately reflects the number of Sarawakians currently working or residing outside the state in search of better opportunities, it should serve as a serious wake-up call for all of us.

The large number of Sarawakians — many of them Dayak youths and skilled workers — leaving their homeland in pursuit of employment and better prospects elsewhere raises important questions about economic opportunities within Sarawak itself. While we celebrate Gawai as a time of reunion, culture, and thanksgiving, we must also reflect on why so many of our people are compelled to build their futures outside their own state.

The Sarawak GPS government should undertake a comprehensive study to identify the key factors driving this migration, including employment opportunities, wage levels, infrastructure development, access to higher-paying industries, and long-term career prospects for young Sarawakians.

Sarawak is rich in natural resources and human talent. It is therefore vital for the state government to formulate urgent and effective policies to attract these Sarawakians home permanently — not only for festive celebrations, but to live, work, and contribute to the development of Sarawak itself. Retaining and bringing back our skilled workforce is essential for the state’s long-term economic growth, innovation, and social stability.

The continued outflow of talented youths and professionals represents not only a loss of manpower, but also a loss of potential leadership and expertise that could help build a stronger and more prosperous Sarawak for future generations.

Gawai should not only remind us of our cultural roots, but also inspire renewed commitment to creating opportunities at home for our people.

*Voon Lee Shan*
President
Parti Bumi Kenyalang

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