| Sarawak, a wealth of diversity KUCHING: Sarawak, a land of ready smiles and incredible contrasts beckons visitors with a rich diversity of experiences. Celebrating its 44th independence since 1963, it is filled with people who are charming, fascinating, warm and friendly. The State's social, political and economic stability have ensured a well-structured development. Sarawak is a land filled with great opportunities and has managed to retain its rich heritage of culture and traditions despite modernisation. Situated on the north-western coast of Borneo, the land of hornbills, intricate rivers and pepper beckons the visitor with its rich rainforests and the diverse lifestyles of its indigenous people. Sarawak shares its boundaries with Kalimantan in the south and Brunei and Sabah in the north. It is the largest state, covering an area of 124,450sq km and is divided into nine divisions with the city of Kuching as its capital. Two-thirds of its land is under rainforest and its population of 1.7 million is made up of 27 ethnic groups. Sarawak is best known for its natural and cultural wonders with the hornbill as the State emblem. The oil-rich coastline of Sarawak plays a major role in the economy of the State. Other sources of revenue come from the famous Sarawak black pepper, rubber, sago, copra, birds nests and timber. Malaysia produces around 27,555 U.S. tons of pepper annually, 90% of which comes from Sarawak. The harmonious blend of culture, beliefs and tradition is like none other. It is the home of the largest warrior tribe known as the Ibans (meaning wanderer) to the fearless sailors and fishermen of the Melanau tribe who co-exist peacefully. The rich culture and heritage of Sarawak is transformed into art, celebrated in its festivals and is rich with intricately designed craftwork to simple exotic dishes that tease and tantalise the tastebuds. Festivals and events celebrated here salutes unity, harmony and appreciation for all that’s been given. The Gawai Dayak festival is filled with colourful rituals, traditional music and dance, while the Melanau tribe in Mukah celebrates ‘Kaul’ festival to mark the beginning of the fishing season. The Regatta is not one to be forgotten as it the most interesting race along the longest river, Rejang. Apart from such festivals, the State is rich with the beadworks of Orang Ulu, pottery of the Chinese, woven mats, baskets and hats of the Bidayuh, Melanau and Malay women. Sarawak is also famous for its mouth-watering Sarawak Laksa, which is fresh vermicelli served in a thick gravy made from coconut milk and spices with generous toppings of succulent chunks of seafood, chicken and sliced omelette. These wonderful things that we often take for granted are not because a few individuals have willed it but because mighty historical forces reach fruition in a new direction. As Malaysians celebrate the country's 50th Independence Day, it is vital to remember that the sovereignty, strength to defend that sovereignty, economic sinews to give meaning to that sovereignty, are not gifts that fall into the lap of a people at the fruition of historical forces. These were fought for, won in the throes of struggle and then defended with courage and resolution. In an interview with Eastern Times, photo journalist, Abu Bakar Osman said that the people of Sarawak were united due to the respect they had for the different ethnic groups. According to him, Sarawak is a land rich in culture where intermarriages often take place between the different races. Those working in urban areas, he said are also able to intermingle with those living in rural areas as we need one another either in business dealings or to get our daily necessity.
“Such dealings have helped bring people closer to one another,” he added. The government, on the other hand have played their role well by ensuring equal development in both urban and rural areas. Speaking of food outlets in Sarawak, he said that it was not strange to see Malays running their food business within the compounds of a Chinese restaurant as most eateries here sell halal food. “These makes it easier for all races to enjoy food together. Restaurant owners on the other hand, enjoy good business. So no one is left behind. It is a simbiosis effect where we need the other to grow,” he said. Unity can also be seen in schools, he said where children intermingle with one another. These has thought us to respect each other, regardless of what race we are. Bakar stressed that such interties were important for the State to achieve further development and be brought to greater heights. Naraindas Asnani, owner of Bollywood Cafe situated at Carpenter Street, shared the same sentiments. The State government, he said, had always encouraged freedom of religion. He added that it is a land of golden opportunity, where all races enjoy vast and fast development. Naraindas said that the monthly cleanliness inspection carried out by the three councils have helped build confidence in costumers that they were ensured of a healthy, clean, halal meal. The Ministry of Tourism have played a vital role in helping those in the rural areas by coming up with the homestay programmes while organising events in such areas. These, he said, had helped people from all sorts of background to enjoy development and prosperity. He said that he was proud to live in Kuching, one of the cleanest cities with proper bus service, road systems and flyovers. “It is difficult to recognise, for example, the Malays and Bidayuh’s as there are so much of similarities,” says Jungu Keron Nayus, a Technical Supervisor.
He said that cultural integrity was evident in food outlets where everyone uses the same utensils. The living standard today, he said, had improved drastically where families enjoy a better income, easy excess to villages, and good bus service due to rapid development in the State. He however hoped that the younger generation would take interest in obtaining knowledge on their cultures. The road to nationhood has not been an easy journey. Surprises and disappointments, tension and crisis have marred the way. The people of Malaysia, however have endured all trials and tribulations with confidence and patience, calmness and forbearance. Written by:
Hazel Sujatha
Eastern Times
12 August 2007 | 
