JOHOR BARU: Despite the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, some Sarawakians and Sabahans living in Johor are opting to postpone their plans to return to their hometowns for Gawai and Kaamatan, respectively.

       Gawai is celebrated by Sarawak’s Dayak community on June 1 and 2, while Kaamatan is celebrated in Sabah on May 30 and 31.

       Technician Joseph Oui, 46, said that while he was really looking forward to meeting his family in Kapit, Sarawak, for Gawai, he was unable to afford the flights.

       “I planned to go back this year as it has been two years since I celebrated Gawai in Sarawak.

       “It is a very special celebration for us and ideally, we would want to gather with all of our family members for the occasion.

       “Unfortunately, the price of the flight ticket is too expensive. I would also have to spend more money if I want to have a full celebration back home,” he told The Star.

       Joseph, who is also Johor Sarawak Community Association president, said he has decided to have a simple open house here on June 1 instead.

       Differing plans: (From left) Joseph and Yohanes will be celebrating Gawai in Johor while Elven and Noel will be in Sabah a few days after Kaamatan.

       “At least this year, we are able to have a small dinner with our loved ones at home and open our doors to friends and families in Johor.

       “It may not be the celebration we have in mind but it is still better than in the past two years,” he said.

       Meanwhile, preacher Yohanes Tijon, 28, said that he too has decided to celebrate Gawai in Johor this year.

       “Many of us are unable to return to our hometowns again this year despite missing our families dearly.

       “As such, our church has decided to have a pre-Gawai celebration on May 28 to cheer everyone up.

       “Although we cannot go home, we can at least celebrate it in church, unlike in previous years where there were limits on how many people could attend our events,” said Yohanes, who serves at an Iban-speaking church in Pasir Gudang.

       Meanwhile, teacher Elven Presly Siol, 27, said that he would only be back in his hometown in Kota Belud, Sabah, on June 2, a few days after Kaamatan.

       “I will not be home on Kaamatan but at least I can still celebrate it with my family a few days after the festival.

       “Normally, the festivities would go on for a week back home.

       “So, I can still experience Kaamatan with my family. So we will have a gathering when I am back,” he said.

       However, he noted that some of his family members living in Johor would not be able to return home due to the high cost of flying.

       Another Sabahan residing in Johor, teacher Noel Sereno Sean, 27, said he booked his tickets three months in advance.

       “I booked my tickets early as I would also be attending my sister’s wedding a few days after Kaamatan.

       “I will only be home in Kota Belud on June 2, a few days after Kaamatan. As such, I will not be able to meet some family members who would be back at work by the time I arrive,” he said.