Latest news with #GawaiFestival
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (May 31, 2025)
Malaysia: * Notorious drug kingpin nabbed in KL hotel deported, says IGP * Anwar calls for decisive, consistent action on Gaza at Shangri-La Dialogue * Anwar calls for code of conduct on South China Sea issues * MACC seizes RM85.6mil in assets in highway funds probe * Mano Maniam, revered Malaysian actor and theatre stalwart, dies at 79 * S'wak govt aims for equitable rural-urban growth, says Uggah * Gawai Festival: A time to celebrate unity and harmony in Sarawak, says churches association * Religious Affairs Minister says health of haj pilgrim top priority as death of fifth M'sian recorded * Umno-PKR ties in unity govt intact despite Tengku Zafrul's exit, says Johari Ghani * Umno respects Tengku Zafrul's decision to leave party, says Tok Mat * MACC seizes RM85.6mil in assets in highway funds probe * Ringgit expected to trade in cautious mode next week amid US tariff uncertainty * Malaysia garnered over RM8bil in potential investments at Expo 2025 Osaka, says Fadillah * Teacher in Alor Gajah affair controversy lodges report over leaked video * Fake transit scheme foiled at KLIA, 105 foreign nationals ordered to leave * Umno respects Tengku Zafrul's decision to leave party, says Tok Mat / Give me space to focus on haj, says Tengku Zafrul * Indian actor Kamal Haasan is open to filming in Malaysia as he arrives in KL for promo tour of new movie 'Thug Life' Beachgoers look on as a large wave crests at Kuta beach near Denpasar, Indonesia's Bali island on Saturday, May 31, 2025. -- Photo by SONNY TUMBELAKA / AFP Singapore: * Pentagon chief irks Singaporeans with Lee-Trump comparison * Anwar, Singapore leaders discuss key bilateral issues / Anwar arrives in Singapore for Shangri-La dialogue * Anwar meets US defence secretary Hegseth and Boeing chief in Singapore * Macron touts 'positive new' Asia-Europe alliance amid US-China rivalry * Singapore defence minister meets counterparts from Five-Power defence nations, other defence ministers * Singapore couple row over man's colleague calling him 'baby', he argues it is norm * Changi Airport exploring resumption of direct flights between Singapore and Uzbekistan * US defence chief Hegseth tells Asian allies: Raise defence spending to 5% of GDP like Europe * Singapore's Shanti Pereira pipped to 200m gold by Chinese ace at Asian athletic meet * Singapore's logistics sector draws young talents / * Johor bookings in as school's out on both ends of the Causeway Indonesia: * Death toll rises to 17 in Indonesia quarry collapse as search continues * Indonesian govt scrambles to help Indonesian students in the United States amid visa suspension policy * Bali to ban production of bottled water under one litre * Rockfall at Indonesian limestone quarry kills 13 * Wildfire smoke exposure may shorten lung cancer survival * Possible new dwarf planet spotted near the edge of the solar system * Soon Huat-Shevon shift focus to Indonesian Open after narrow loss to Thais Thailand: * Thailand's whopping US$115bil budget clears first parliamentary hurdle * Seven bridges along Chao Phraya River in Thailand to be illuminated for Queen Suthida's birthday celebration * Trade talks with United States must continue despite tariff ruling: Former Thai PM Thaksin * Thailand to shut border with Cambodia amid boycott tensions * Phuket tops southern Thailand's tourism revenue in early 2025 Philippines: * Philippines defence chief says Asian superpower needs to overcome 'deficit of trust' * Philippines' Bohol town mayor suspends water activities after two Koreans drowned * Nigeria jails a Malaysian, an Indonesian, two Chinese and 11 Filipinos for internet scams * It was hell: Filipino mom released from ICE detention * Cautious optimism in Philippine stocks Williams driver Alexander Albon of Thailand steers his car during the qualifying session ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix Formula One race at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. -- AP Photo/Joan Monfort Vietnam * Alpine expert says climate change making mountains more dangerous * MMEA overcomes aggressive foreign vessel in Miri waters * Asian leaders voice concerns over US tariffs; call for greater unity among region's nations * Vietnamese textile, footwear exporters eye target markets * Vietnam, Hungary to deepen partnership with cooperation plan Myanmar: * Earthquake-hit Myanmar invite foreign investor for rebuilding * Malaysia invites Myanmar conflict groups for dialogue in KL, says PM Anwar * Over 1.9 million stimulant tablets and 134 kg of heroin worth US$2.9 billion seized in Myanmar * Many survivors of devastating Myanmar quake in March still live in leaky tents Cambodia: * Cambodia and Japan deepen strategic partnership and cooperation * Border issues with Thailand require patience and determination, says Cambodian PM * Brics approves climate finance framework, crafting joint stance for first time * Cambodian women rising to tap global fishery products market Laos: * Laos aims for 70 per cent forest cover to secure greener futurek * Laos President, Japan PM pledge stronger links as two nations mark 70-year ties * Laos, Russia agree to strengthen legal cooperation Brunei: * Brunei sultan discharged from hospital * Asia-Pacific scholars address AI, language, communication in Brunei * Malaysian man involved in online Macau scam sentenced to seven years' jail in Brunei * Brunei holds nationwide Sunnat Hajat prayers for Sultan and country US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japan's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani pose for a photograph at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. -- Photo: REUTERS/Edgar Su AseanPlus: * Bella Astillah, Syed Saddiq delight fans with traditional dance * Life stories of senior Malaysian Chinese artists highlighted in photo exhibition * For the love of peace for all across South-East Asia as Buddhists in Malaysia celebrate the Wesak festivities in prayers and also style * Discover the rural charms of Sabah's cool district, Tambunan * Malaysian actress Daphne Low suffers first-degree burn from curling iron in stylist mishap * Miss Grand International 2024 termination sparks online backlash * India confirms it lost fighter jets in recent Pakistan conflict * Chinese man lives in mountains, creates 300 cars, including 'work-desk vehicle' * Thousands affected, over 50,000 power outages as severe weather batters Sri Lanka * Man jumping into Terracotta warriors pit in China under investigation * Rooted in the earth, Indian traditional mud wrestling thrives * Bangladeshi mangoes enter China for the first time * New Zealand swears in new deputy prime minister * Turnout for early voting in South Korea falls short of 2022 at 34.74% * Concerns over declining population of rare duck in Cambodia * China's visa-free trial for GCC nationals hailed as major boost to bilateral ties, cooperation * K-Pop and breakdance power South Korean high-stakes presidential race * Japan seeks to grow Africa investments to ease reliance on China * New model helps conservationists predict wildlife responses to climate change: study * Art Hong Kong Expo: Cultural leaders rally to promote HK's global hub vision * Rain havoc in Kerala: Five killed, trees uprooted; red alert in eight districts * China set to resume seafood imports after Fukushima scare * Japan says there is no easy concession on US tariffs, seeks more talks in June * Hong Kong 47: Jimmy Sham, 3 other opposition figures released from prison * Trump gets key wins at Supreme Court on immigration, despite some misgivings * China already had a graduate jobs crisis. The trade war is making it worse * Who's got the next Labubu? Hong Kong creators eye a slice of 'goods economy' pie * Kannada originated from Tamil: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan's remarks irk Congress, BJP * Arson suspect in Seoul subway fire in custody; over 400 people evacuated, 21 in hospital for minor injuries * Japan's House of Representatives passes Pension Reform Bill; more part-time workers to be eligible for employee programme * Cricket - Mumbai eliminate Gujarat to keep alive IPL final hopes * Motor racing-Piastri completes McLaren practice sweep in Spain * Tennis-Swiatek wants equal treatment for women as French Open schedule remains in focus
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Free Malaysia Today
Raising spirits: how Tuak Alus is brewing a cultural revival
Ayden Chong and Raffly Langi began brewing tuak in their own kitchens for personal consumption. (Tuak Alus pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Raffly Langi grew up with tuak in his village in Betong, Sarawak. As an Iban, this traditional rice wine was a staple at home during harvest festivals, celebrations, and family gatherings. 'My family has been brewing tuak for a very long time,' the 32-year-old told FMT Lifestyle. 'My aunties would prepare the yeast a few months before Gawai, and they'd use the rice they harvested to ferment it into tuak.' Raffly, a former service engineer, didn't pay much attention to the brewing process back then. Little could he know that years later, he'd become the master brewer of Tuak Alus, a brand co-founded with Ipoh-born Ayden Chong – and another partner who has since left to pursue other goals – seven years ago. Together, they have turned a village tradition into a smooth, golden pour that's making waves across the Klang Valley and beyond. 'I feel very proud because I finally get to create something that celebrates my culture – something that can bond and unite everyone. I'm also really happy because many Borneans enjoy our tuak. They truly believe it's on a different level,' Raffly, who is now based in KL, shared with a smile. Operating mostly at pop-up markets in Klang Valley malls, Tuak Alus produces over 100 bottles a month. You'll also find the tuak mixed into cocktails at some of KL's top bars. Raffly and Chong currently offer three flavours: tuak laki, the boldest of the lot; tuak induk, a sweeter version with palm sugar; and tuak pandan, which is light and easy. Chong fell in with tuak when he tasted the rice wine during the Gawai Festival one year. (Tuak Alus pic) 'We have created our own ecosystem. We make our own yeast, which has galangal, ginger, and pepper – a little bit of Kuching,' quipped Chong, a recruitment consultant. He noted that the higher yeast content gives Tuak Alus a stronger alcohol by volume (ABV) content than most. 'The longer we let it brew, the more the rice and yeast settle to the bottom. That's what gives it the clear, golden colour and smooth taste. 'This is how we distinguish ourselves. Some tuak brands out there are either too milky or too sour,' the 30-year-old added. Chong's own love affair with tuak began years ago in Raffly's village, even though the pair hadn't met yet. He fondly remembers his first Gawai celebration in a longhouse, where the Iban hospitality came with generous pours and the notorious tuak trail – house to house, glass after glass. 'I only lasted halfway!' he laughed. But that buzz sparked an idea: why not bring this beloved Bornean brew to peninsular Malaysia? So, after connecting with Raffly, the duo began brewing in their kitchen, using Raffly's family recipe. They started with small batches, gradually refining their process. 'We shared our brew with our friends and family, and began experimenting with different flavours. Soon, our friends started ordering from us,' Chong recalled. Raffly says they only filter their tuak after letting it sit for months, which results in its unparalleled smoothness. (Tuak Alus pic) Tuak Alus has since built a loyal following, especially among Sarawakians living in the Klang Valley. 'One lady from Bintulu tried our tuak in a KL pub and couldn't stop thinking about it,' said Raffly, now a full-time brewer. 'She ordered bottles from us and paid the high shipping fee just to get it sent back to Sarawak!' Their dream is to put tuak on the world map, the way soju is tied to Korea or sake to Japan. 'It's a beautiful way to represent one of Malaysia's many cultures,' said Chong. For Raffly, the biggest stamp of approval comes from home. 'My family finishes our bottles really fast!' he laughed. 'They tell me it's different from anything they've had before. That's why it's so special to me.' So, the next time you're looking to raise your spirits – figuratively and literally – skip the usual wine or whisky and give Tuak Alus a try. It's bold, it's golden, and it might just leave you wondering how you ever partied without it. Follow Tuak Alus on Instagram.
