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Sinar Daily
20-07-2025
- Sinar Daily
'Tumpik', traditional Melanau pancake that delights the palate
Tumpik is made from sago flour and grated coconut, with a bit of salt added to enhance the flavour. 20 Jul 2025 11:00am Tumpik, a traditional Sarawak delicacy, once served as a staple during the British colonial era. More than just a snack, it can be enjoyed with various fillings such as shrimp, fish, and gula apong (palm sugar), as showcased during the launch of Serumpun Sarawak. Photo by Bernama BEHIND its crispy exterior and chewy interior, tumpik - a traditional pancake from Sarawak made from sago and coconut - is rarely featured in the mainstream culinary scene. According to Sarawak-born chef Laura Bara Sim, this ethnic dish from the Melanau community may appear simple in terms of ingredients and appearance but it carries deep cultural and historical value. Sim, who actively promotes Sarawak's culinary heritage, said tumpik is made from sago flour and grated coconut, with a bit of salt added to enhance the flavour. "It has a slightly salty and creamy taste of coconut, with a chewy inside and a crispy outer layer. Simple but delicious,' she told Bernama recently after a cooking demonstration held in conjunction with a press conference on 'Serumpun Sarawak', a cultural and gastronomy exhibition to spotlight Sarawak's indigenous food heritage and organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and the Sarawak Tourism Board. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (second from left) prepares a traditional Sarawak dish called Tumpik, guided by Chef Laura Bara Sim during the launch of Serumpun Sarawak at a hotel recently. Photo by Bernama The chef, who is of mixed Iban and Bidayuh descent, also noted that one of the unique aspects of tumpik is that no oil is used in its preparation; instead, it is cooked on a non-stick pan. "The sago and coconut mixture just needs to be lightly pressed onto the pan and left to cook slowly. Once the bottom turns crispy, that's the sign that the tumpik is ready to be served,' she said. Once a staple food, especially during the British colonial era in Sarawak, tumpik can be eaten as it is or with added fillings such as shrimp or fish, or palm sugar. "Sago trees are abundant in Sarawak, so the people there produce flour from the trunks and turn it into various foods. "In Peninsular Malaysia, the Sarawak dishes people often hear about are usually Sarawak laksa or ayam pansuh. But tumpik remains relatively unknown, possibly because it is rarely sold commercially,' she said. She believes that tumpik could become one of Sarawak's iconic dishes, much like Sarawak layer cake and laksa, if given wider promotion at food festivals, cafes or hotels. Tumpik, a traditional Sarawak delicacy, once served as a staple during the British colonial era. More than just a snack, it can be enjoyed with various fillings such as shrimp, fish, and gula apong (palm sugar), as showcased during the launch of Serumpun Sarawak. Photo by Bernama "In addition to its great taste, one of the strengths of tumpik is its easily available ingredients and simple preparation process, making it a suitable choice for breakfast or afternoon tea or as a light snack at home,' she said. She also said that as one of over 160 Sarawak dishes to be showcased at 'Serumpun Sarawak' in Osaka, Japan, from Aug 5 to 8, tumpik reflects the unique identity of the Melanau people and their adaptation to natural resources, especially the sago tree, which thrives in coastal areas. She added that the initiative to bring Sarawak food to the international stage not only introduces Borneo's gastronomic culture to the world but also opens up opportunities for local entrepreneurs to explore the commercial potential of this underrepresented ethnic heritage. - BERNAMA More Like This
Daily Express
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Serumpun Sarawak Ignites A Cultural Gastronomy Journey from Borneo to the World
Published on: Saturday, July 12, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 12, 2025 Text Size: PETALING JAYA: Sarawak is stepping boldly onto the global culinary stage with the launch of Serumpun Sarawak, a landmark journey that redefines indigenous heritage, food traditions, and cultural creativity as powerful tools for global influence and sustainable economic growth. Building momentum toward its international debut, Serumpun Sarawak is set to headline two major showcases: Osaka, Japan and Mulu, Sarawak. These global stages will feature curated tasting experiences, storytelling installations, and collaborative performances that present Sarawak's cultural identity in a vibrant, modern context. Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Serumpun Sarawak marks a bold new chapter for the state's tourism and cultural economy. The initiative is led by world-renowned chef and indigenous gastronomy advocate, Chef James Won, in collaboration with Atlas Collective. More than a gastronomic experience, Serumpun Sarawak is a global invitation to engage with Sarawak as a living ecosystem of biodiversity, creativity, and ancestral knowledge, where indigenous wisdom meets contemporary innovation, and where food becomes a vessel for storytelling, identity, and connection. 'When Kuching earned its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, it wasn't simply a feather in our cap, it was a call to action. A signal to the world that Sarawak's culinary roots run deep — and our ambitions reach far,' said YB Dato' Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. 'Serumpun Sarawak is our answer to that call. It is where ancestral knowledge meets cutting-edge creativity. Where native ingredients become narrative. Where stories from the lands are translated into unforgettable multisensory experiences.'' The journey's first confirmed activation will take place from 5 to 8 August 2025 in Osaka, Japan, as part of an exclusive cultural gastronomy showcase in conjunction with the World Expo 2025. Hosted at Seaside Studio Caso, this immersive event will introduce Japanese and global audiences to the depth and diversity of Sarawak's indigenous cuisines, ingredients, and creative expressions. Through curated dining experiences, visual storytelling, and cultural showcases, Osaka will offer a window into Sarawak's soul, a vibrant confluence of land, people, and culinary heritage. Following its international debut, Serumpun Sarawak will return to its roots with a powerful community-based activation deep in Sarawak's own natural crown jewel, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mulu National Park. In October 2025, the journey will host a site-specific experience within the park itself, blending indigenous culinary traditions, ecological appreciation, and cultural storytelling in one of the world's most awe-inspiring environments. The Mulu activation reflects Serumpun Sarawak's commitment to ensuring that global recognition is always grounded in respect for local communities, biodiversity, and indigenous knowledge systems. Collaboration sits at the heart of Serumpun Sarawak, with leading Sarawakian organisations such as Earthlings Coffee Workshop, Tanoti Crafts, The Tuyang Initiative, and the Culinary Heritage & Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS) working together to champion indigenous ingredients, craftsmanship, and cultural preservation. Their shared vision ensures that the journey remains rooted in authenticity, empowering local communities while amplifying Sarawak's position as a world-class destination for cultural and culinary exploration. Guests at today's press conference were offered an early taste of what lies ahead, with a captivating ethnic cooking showcase and an exclusive preview of The Serumpun Story, a short film encapsulating the essence of the journey. A curated coffee experience by Earthlings Coffee Workshop also highlighted Sarawak's emerging status as a terroir for exceptional coffee cultivation, blending tradition, sustainability, and global potential. Serumpun Sarawak represents the next evolution of Sarawak's tourism and cultural landscape, where heritage is not frozen in time but continually reimagined, shared, and celebrated. It is an invitation to the world to experience Sarawak not just through its landscapes but through its flavours, its stories, and its people. As the journey prepares to take Sarawak's cultural gastronomy to Mulu, Osaka, and beyond, one message rings clear: Sarawak is ready to lead, to inspire, and to redefine how the world experiences Borneo. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
BusinessToday
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BusinessToday
Rainforest Festival Brings the World Together – and Back Again in 2026
YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak officially launched the Alunan Tukang Artisan Zone The 28th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) came to a rousing close on 22 June 2025 with a powerful performance by Sarawak's own At Adau. Their emotionally charged set brought the three-day celebration full circle, closing a festival that championed rhythm, resilience, and a shared global purpose. Held at the Sarawak Cultural Village near Kuching, the 2025 edition of RWMF welcomed music lovers, cultural advocates, and environmentally conscious travellers under the theme 'Connections: One Earth, One Love.' A significant moment came on the festival's second day when YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak's Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, officially launched the event. His walkabout included visits to festival partners, the Green Ruai environmental hub, and the Alunan Tukang Artisan Zone. The Minister's symbolic placement of the final eco-brick in a sculpture underlined Sarawak's commitment to circular sustainability and empowering local communities. Sustainability was at the heart of RWMF 2025, embedded in every aspect of the festival experience. From waste segregation systems and bring-your-own-bottle water refill stations to solar-powered lighting and innovative composting technology, the event demonstrated what a climate-smart festival can be. YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak presenting the certificate of appreciation to Miri Secondhand Dealers and Recyclers Association representative as Partners of Green Ruai. The Green Ruai featured WWF's wildlife conservation efforts, PATA's carbon tracking booth, and practical recycling education led by the Miri Secondhand Dealers and Recyclers Association, making environmental awareness accessible and engaging. 'This year's theme — 'Connections: One Earth, One Love' — was more than a slogan. It came to life in every corner of the festival,' said Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board. 'We brought together generations, cultures, and values. We made room for performance and purpose. RWMF 2025 reminded us that meaningful tourism is not about transactions, it's about transformation.' Musically, RWMF 2025 delivered unforgettable performances. Siberian Indigenous group Otyken opened the festival with their Malaysian debut, setting a powerful tone. Day two featured the iconic Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, energising the crowd beneath the rainforest canopy. The closing act by At Adau stirred pride and unity, bringing the festival's journey full circle with a deeply emotional performance. In addition to the music, the festival welcomed participants from the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS), a three-day gathering of young climate leaders from across ASEAN. More than 22,000 attendees were recorded over the three days, with a noticeable rise in family participation. From hands-on cultural workshops to eco-learning zones, the festival's growing multigenerational appeal reaffirmed its evolution into an inclusive space for music, education, and meaningful connection. Looking ahead, the Rainforest World Music Festival is set to return from June 26 – 28, 2026. With its unique blend of world music, sustainability, and cultural exchange, RWMF continues to stand out as a global showcase of how responsible tourism can create lasting legacies. Related
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Army man clinches Mr Keling Borneo's inaugural championship's title
Ishak poses with his prizes on stage. KOTA SAMARAHAN (May 18): Royal Malaysian Army personnel Ishak Hidayat was adjudged the 'Champion of Champions' among the seven category winners at the inaugural Mr Keling Borneo International Bodybuilding Championships, staged at The Summermall here yesterday evening. The title came with the championship's trophy, custom medal and a cash prize of RM2,000. The 30-year-old corporal had earlier won the Bodybuilding Above-85kg Class, which listed Amsyar Anaqie Azahar, Mohamad Faris Basri, and Mohd Hafizul Tuah as the respective runners-up. This category earned Ishak RM5,000. 'I'm just speechless. It's my first time competing in an event in Sarawak, and it's my 'rezeki' (blessing) here. 'Certainly, my thanks go to my family and colleagues who have always been supportive of me,' said the Kedah-born muscleman when met backstage after the presentation of prizes. The competition, the first ever of its kind where sportsmanship interwove with culture, was jointly organised by Buda Gym Enterprise and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. In its debut, it registered nearly 100 contestants coming not only from all over Malaysia, but also from Brunei and Indonesia. Ishak, with Buda on his left, lifts the championship's trophy during a stage photo-call with the guests and the other category winners. Also seen is Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation honorary secretary Major Syed Fairus Syed Ali (standing, second right). Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who officiated at the opening ceremony, hailed the event as 'a success, truly signifying the concept of sports tourism'. 'This competition goes beyond athleticism. 'It's the first to highlight and incorporate heritage through bodybuilding. 'To the leading man behind this competition, our very own bodybuilding legend Buda Anchah, congratulations for a job greatly done. 'Strive to do better in the successive editions,' said Snowdan in his opening speech. The other category winners of the inaugural heritage bodybuilding competition are Alifsahyir Ali (Athletic Physique Under-170cm), Muhaimin Yunus Hasan (Athletic Physique Above-170cm), Syed Muhammad Alhabshi Syed Taha (Sports Physique Under-170cm), Mohd Al Badrul Abu (Sports Physique Above-170cm), Abdul Aziz Ahmad (Bodybuilding Under-70kg), and Paijar Upau (Bodybuilding 70kg-85kg). The organiser also honoured Sarawak's sports icons who attended the event including boxing legend Sapok Biki and star fighter Daeloniel 'Kilat Boy' Mcdelon; footballers Ramos and Rames Sari; and bodybuilding hall-of-famers Nolan Chee and Datuk Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah. lead Mr Keling Borneo International Bodybuilding Championships
Borneo Post
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Step up promotion of kuntau among young Ibans, association told
Snowdan (standing front, sixth left) and Basil, on his right, join other guests in a group photo with Sikar members. KUCHING (May 12): Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association (Sikar) needs to intensify the promotion of this traditional martial art to the younger members of the community. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan, in making this call, regards the 'kuntau' as much a part of the Iban heritage and identity as the language. The Balai Ringin assemblyman also points out that the martial art holds creative elements to justify its preservation and protection by the state government. 'The Chinese have their 'kung fu', the Malays their silat, and the Ibans, their 'kuntau'. 'I see these martial arts as tools to identity these respective races,' he said in his opening speech for Sikar's annual dinner at a hotel here last Saturday. Adding on, Snowdan noted that other Dayak groups had welcomed Iban kuntau because of its practicality across the aspects of athleticism, aesthetics and self-defence. 'In this regard, Sikar is now tasked with grouping all kuntau enthusiasts all over Sarawak, improving the training programmes and promoting it to youths.' Snowdan also encouraged all NGOs to apply for financial assistance from his ministry. 'There is the annual RM10 million allocation meant for NGOs, including Sikar, to facilitate them in holding core activities, as well as another RM50 million annual fund meant to assist any NGO planning to hold significant festivals.' Later, Snowdan pledged RM10,000 for Sikar to finance its various activities. In addition, the state deputy minister also called upon Sikar members to come and provide moral support to the ministry-endorsed Mr Keling Borneo International 2025 Championship, to be staged at the Summermall Kota Samarahan this May 17. 'Almost all well-known Dayak athletes, from the past era to the present day, are expected to attend the event,' he added. Meanwhile, Sikar president Basil Laman Amin in his welcoming remarks said for now, there are 50 'kelang' (kuntau training centres) across Sarawak under the purview of the association. 'Our Sabahan counterparts have also expressed intention to collaborate with Sikar in holding major programmes in the near future,' he added. Also present at the dinner were Akademi Sarawak Dayak Iban Association head Mabong Uggang and Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) information chief Churchill E Drem – both co-founders of Sikar. kuntau lead martial arts Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association Snowdan Lawan
