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Journalist compiles unique side of Sarawak’s ethnic minority BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

Journalist compiles unique side of Sarawak’s ethnic minority

Posted: 17 Apr 2014 08:19 PM PDT

MIRI: Imagine wearing brass earrings (sumping loyan tembaga) weighing more than a hundred grammes – about as heavy as an IPhone – for the rest of your life to create elongated earlobes.

It is a unique and dying practice by the Orang Ulu community here in the name of beauty, which journalist, Sudan Ajang,37, sometimes portrays with a touch of humour in her book titled "Budaya Etnik di Sarawak" or "Ethnic Culture
in Sarawak".

But she is always respectful of the age-old traditions symbolising Sarawak's
diverse ethnic cultures.

This is just a sample of the fascinating facts and interesting experiences
compiled by the mother of three in the 144-page book which will be in book
stores this week.

"This is not an academic book, it's written in simple language so everyone
can understand it. I wanted to document these customs for future generations,"
she told Bernama here today.

True to her words, the pages are full of fascinating facts about the ethnic
minority in Sarawak such as the initiative to preserve one of the oldest
languages in the world – the Meirek and Kelabit that have been in existence for
more than 300 years.

It also describes in detail the painstaking preparation for the annual
buffalo race in Limbang organised by the Bisaya Association of Sarawak.

In addition, the book also unveils the real reason why so many avid anglers,
from neighbouring Brunei to China are willing to risk the crocodile-infested
Sepupuk River in Batu Niah just to catch large prawns.

Located 100 km from Miri, the spot is a big draw for anglers who are hooked
on the delicacy described as "sweet and juicy".

A Communication and Mass Media graduate from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak,
Sudan, who is a journalist with Utusan Borneo Miri, said most of the articles
published in the book are based on her blog.

"I started my own blog www.sudanajang.com/traver in 2010 and had the idea to
compile my material. I also had a lot of support from my friends who encouraged
me to publish it," she said.

She said it took more than a year to compile the suitable articles and
pictures.

Sudan is also an award winning journalist and has won first place at the
Azam Petronas Award and Chief Minister Information Communication Technology
(ICT) writing competition in 2008 and first place in feature writing in the
Sarawak Shell Media award in 2010.

She is also a regular contributor for magazines under Dewan Bahasa dan
Pustaka such as Dewan Masyarakat, Dewan Budaya and Dewan Ekonomi.

"My next step will be to translate this book to Iban and English if the
Bahasa Melayu copy gets a positive response," she said.

She said those interested in the book can check her Facebook account Sudan
Traveler.

"At the moment it's sold at RM28 per copy at book stores. It's RM25 if
purchased directly from me," she said.

Meanwhile, the Bisaya Association of Sarawak president Antonio Kahti Galis
said all efforts to promote Sarawak's ethnic cultures should be encouraged and
praised.

"Hopefully the younger generations would better understand their own culture
with the availability of such books," he said.-Bernama.

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