KUCHING, May 29 -- Gawai Dayak is taking on a more bittersweet meaning this year for Sarawakians living outside the state, as rising travel costs, work commitments and financial constraints force many to weigh the dream of going home against practicality.

For working adults such as Rossey La, 25, Sennia Rinna, 27, and Marieo Jimbai, 33, returning home remains a cherished tradition despite expensive festive airfares.

Rossey, a cashier in Johor Bahru, said she still prioritises celebrating Gawai with her family even though ticket prices can be a financial strain.

"However, I cannot deny that airfare prices significantly affect our decision to travel back home during Gawai," she said.

Sennia, who works in the medical field in peninsular ...