The Land of Hornbills, say hello to Sarawak – the largest state in the country presiding over more than 30 ethnic groups. It is so diverse that you might not notice or have heard some of these minority groups.
Before we dive deeper, the major ethnic groups are Iban and Bidayuh followed by the group called the Orang Ulu which encompasses many minority tribes. To list all of it here may be impossible, but we would be highlighting at least five of them which is quite diverse.
- Berawan
Predominantly living in the lower Baram area in northern region of Miri, the Berawan possibly have approximately 3,600 native speakers (2010).
- Bisaya
The Bisaya live in the northwest coast of Borneo, where population is concentrated in the Limbang division but also found in the neighbouring Brunei and Sabah. And because of this the dialect also differs by location where Sarawak’s Bisaya tribe has 60% at least with Bruneian dialect. To experience more, they have the annual Pesta Babulang held in Limbang where the highlight includes the buffalo race.
- Kiput
This is a very rare indigenous which is not as popular as compared to other minorities due to the concentration of the population only in Long Kiput. And due to intermarriages with other tribe and also lack of preserving of its culture, the real numbers of the pure Kiput tribe is estimated between 300-500 only.
- Kelabit
One of the two known tribes that occupy the highlands of Borneo, the Kelabit tribe is concentrated in Bario district. In the olden days, you would spot esteemed Kelabit with these unique earlobes – a dying culture to this day. So visiting Bario, you might spot the elderly ones with these long earlobes during their annual Pesta Nuk Kenen (Food and Culture Festival).
- Lun Bawang
In the olden days, they are referred to as the fierceless headhunters of Borneo occupying the northern region mostly in Lawas district in the highlight of Bakelalan and Trusan interior. Christianity saved the tribe from old practices and to date has at least 16,000 population in Sarawak with neighbouring Sabah tribe called the Lun Dayeh about 9,000 population. Annually, its rich and colourful heritage is celebrated during the Lun Bawang Festival and well known for their bamboo instruments.
These are just 5 unique minority tribes we could highlight for now and probably more in the future so that we as Malaysians can appreciate all our fellow indigenous people of the land.
Here’s wishing all Sarawakians celebrating, Selamat Hari Gawai!
