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Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
How Sarawak genetics can future-proof our health — Rafidah Lani
JULY 22 — In conjunction with the 62nd Sarawak Independence Day observed annually on 22 July, we celebrate not only Sarawak's journey as an autonomous state within Malaysia but also its invaluable contribution to Malaysia's greatest untapped resource — our genetic diversity. Sarawak, home to more than 40 ethnic groups including the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Orang Ulu, and the Penan, holds a rich mosaic of genetic variation. This diversity is not just a cultural heritage but a powerful scientific asset in understanding how Malaysians respond to diseases. As Malaysia moves forward with the MyGenom Project, Sarawak's unique population structure becomes increasingly important in building the country's health resilience. Population immunology studies how immune responses vary between individuals and populations. These differences are often shaped by genetics. Just as our physical traits differ — such as height, skin tone, and hair texture — so do our immune responses to pathogens, medications, and vaccinations. Genetic diversity is crucial in understanding why some individuals are more susceptible to infectious diseases such as dengue, tuberculosis, or Covid-19, while others exhibit stronger resistance or milder symptoms. It also explains varying responses to vaccines and treatments. In Sarawak, for example, indigenous populations may carry different immune gene variants compared to urban Peninsular Malaysians, influencing how they respond to diseases or drugs. This is where genome mapping becomes critical. The MyGenom Project is a national initiative aimed at sequencing the genomes of Malaysians from diverse ethnicities. It is a timely and ambitious effort to catalogue the genetic variants present in our population, including those from minority and indigenous groups. The early phases of genome studies in Malaysia were dominated by data from the three main ethnic groups — Malays, Chinese, and Indians. In conjunction with the 62nd Sarawak Independence Day observed annually on 22 July, we celebrate not only Sarawak's journey as an autonomous state within Malaysia but also its invaluable contribution to Malaysia's greatest untapped resource — our genetic diversity. — Bernama pic However, this does not reflect the full scope of our population. Including East Malaysian groups helps capture the broader spectrum of genetic variation that exists in Malaysia. Sarawak's people, with their deep ancestral roots and minimal admixture, offer insights into immune-related genes that may have evolved to counter local pathogens in tropical rainforest environments. These could include gene variants involved in inflammation, antiviral response, and vaccine effectiveness. Among Sarawak's indigenous peoples, the Penan — a traditionally nomadic group from the interior forests of Baram and Belaga — are of special interest. Despite their isolation, they have experienced disproportionately high rates of leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Why the Penan are particularly prone to leprosy remains under investigation, but genome science offers several clues. Leprosy susceptibility is known to be influenced by host genetics, particularly genes involved in innate immunity. These genes are involved in recognising mycobacteria and regulating inflammatory responses during infection. Preliminary observations suggest that the Penan may carry unique variants or haplotypes in these immunity genes, possibly inherited through generations of geographic and genetic isolation. It is also hypothesised that low genetic diversity within small, isolated communities like the Penan may contribute to the concentration of certain susceptibility alleles. Including the Penan in the MyGenom Project is not only scientifically valuable but ethically necessary. It provides an opportunity to understand population-specific risks, tailor health screening, and design effective community-based interventions. Understanding the genetic variation in immunity genes can help in developing tailored vaccines and therapies, predicting disease risk, improving outbreak response, and strengthening precision medicine. Sarawak has a critical role in this movement. The inclusion of underrepresented groups in the MyGenom Project ensures that health policies, treatments, and diagnostics are inclusive and equitable. Leaving them out risks creating a healthcare gap where indigenous communities receive solutions based on data from unrelated populations. In the past, genomics research involving indigenous groups faced criticism due to poor community engagement or lack of benefit-sharing. The current initiative addresses this by ensuring ethical collection, community consultation, and data sovereignty — empowering Sarawakian communities to participate actively in research that affects their future. Sarawak Independence Day is a reminder of autonomy and identity, but also of shared responsibility in building a healthier Malaysia. Genetics is no longer just an academic pursuit. It is a national investment into the health of future generations. We must ensure that the MyGenom Project continues to be inclusive, transparent, and scientifically robust. Sarawak's contribution to this project is not merely symbolic — it is foundational. By integrating Sarawak's unique population into our national genetic map, we are not only unlocking clues to our past but building tools to face the future. Let us celebrate the wealth of Sarawak's genetic and cultural diversity, and recognise it as a pillar of national strength in population health and disease resilience. * Dr Rafidah Lani is a senior lecturer at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. She may be contacted at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Fadillah: Malaysia Madani is a national mission, not just a government initiative
Sharifah Hasidah (fourth left) presents a certificate of appreciation to a workshop participant while witnessed by Naim Fahmi (third left) and others. KUCHING (July 20): The responsibility of promoting the Malaysia Madani concept should not rest solely on the government but must be shared by every segment of the society, said Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof. He said Malaysia Madani, which was introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is an integrated and holistic effort to ensure that all policies and implementations in Malaysia are more humane and continuously improved through consultation and feedback from the people. 'The implementation of Malaysia Madani is anchored on strong unity and emphasises justice that should be felt by every ethnic group and community in this diverse nation. 'As such, the effort to spread the concept and direction of Malaysia Madani is a shared responsibility, not just that of government agencies or private entities, but of the people across the nation. 'Only then can we build a society that is united, progressive and competitive on the global stage,' he said at the closing of the 'Minda Madani' Transformation Workshop at a hotel here today. His speech was read by Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali. He stressed that Malaysia Madani is a national mission that requires continuous commitment from every level of society, from leaders at the highest level to the grassroots, from the corporate sector to the local community and the veteran generation to today's youth. 'In our beloved Sarawak, this collective approach becomes even more meaningful. Every ethnic group, whether Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Chinese, Indian and others, must unite as 'Team Sarawak' to realise this vision. 'We need to remember that this mindset transformation is not just a government programme, but a social movement that needs to be embraced and practiced in everyday life. 'Start with small steps at home in educating children, interacting with neighbors and contributing to the local community,' he said. He noted that the government through various agencies will continue to play a role as a catalyst and facilitator, but real success will only be achieved when every Malaysian makes the values of 'Madani' as a way of life. With Sarawak Day approaching, Fadillah said the celebration is proof of the government's commitment to ensuring that Sarawak continues to progress in line with the spirit of unity and shared prosperity. 'As participants in this workshop, all of you shoulder an important responsibility to enliven this celebration at the community level by flying the Sarawak flag and Jalur Gemilang, participating in community activities, and making it a platform to strengthen inter-racial relations. 'Please know that the government is committed to continuing to drive the development of Sarawak through improved infrastructure, education, economic opportunities and the preservation of racial harmony,' he said. The three-day workshop, which ran from July 18 to 20, was attended by 54 participants from Tupong, Samariang and Satok state constituencies. Also present was Malaysia Information Department senior director (Management) Naim Fahmi Ahmad Tajuddin. fadillah yusof lead Malaysia Madani
Barnama
3 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
MADANI Mind Transformation Workshop Trains Participants As Elements Of Community Change
KUCHING, July 20 (Bernama) -- Participants of the MADANI Mind Transformation workshop in Petra Jaya have been urged to be elements of change in their respective communities, by living and practising the spirit of MADANI Malaysia in their daily lives. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said Sarawak should be the best example of a united, progressive and competitive MADANI society. 'As we know, the MADANI Malaysia concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is an integrated and holistic effort to make all policies and implementations in Malaysia more humane, which is constantly improved through deliberation and feedback from the people. 'In this MADANI Malaysia concept, its implementation is based on strong unity and emphasises justice that should be felt by every diverse racial entity or ethnic group in this country,' he was speaking at the closing ceremony of the workshop here, today. The text of his speech was read by the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali. Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said in the context of Sarawak, the collective approach becomes more significant because cultural and ethnic diversity is the main strength of the state. 'Every race, whether Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Chinese, Indians and others need to join hands as 'Team Sarawak' to realise MADANI's aspirations. "We need to remember that this mind transformation is not just a government programme, but a social movement that needs to be embraced and practised in daily life. Start with small steps at home in educating children, interacting with neighbours and contributing to the local community," he said. The three-day Mind Transformation Workshop since Friday, involved 54 participants from the Tupong, Samariang and Satok state constituencies.
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Strategic projects set to drive development in Selangau, assures assemblyman
Gira (third right) presents a cheque to one MRP fund recipient, as Sempurai (fourth left) and others look on. SELANGAU (July 14): Several strategic development projects are meant for implementation in Selangau. In giving this assurance, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira lists a mini sports complex, upgrading works on an access road to Selangau Bazaar, and the construction of stretches connecting Rumah Uban and Ulu Mukah as well as Nanga Selangau and Rumah Dinggai, as among those being planned for the district. 'These various new development initiatives will drive rural development,' he said in officiating at the 'Mangkung Tiang' (housewarming) in Rumah Lawang Umpon, Bukit Baru Sungai Melinau here last Saturday. Organised by the village development and security committee (JKKK) of Bukit Baru Sungai Melinau, the programme meant to revive the custom symbolising the beginning of life in a new longhouse, as well as the spirit of family, unity and the continuity of ancestral culture of the Iban community. Adding on, Gira also congratulated the residents of Rumah Lawang for their efforts in building a modern, organised and comfortable longhouse. He described the success as a positive sign of the economic growth of rural communities, and also an 'evidence' of the effectiveness of the state government's development policies under the ruling coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). 'This longhouse is not only a symbol of culture, but also a symbol of shared success. 'We want to see longhouses not just as a physical heritage, but also as active and developed community centres.' Gira also stressed the importance of electrical safety in longhouses, calling for the existing wiring system be upgraded further. 'This measure is aimed at reducing the risk of overloading that can cause fires, in line with the increase in electricity consumption in today's longhouses,' he added. Later at the event, Gira presented Minor Rural Programme (MRP) allocations totalling RM369,000 to 25 recipients including longhouse JKKKs, local sports and youth associations, and educational institutions. The assemblyman also announced an additional special allocation of RM25,000 for Rumah Lawang in support of its community activities. Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai was among those present. christopher gira development projects lead Selangau
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Festival serving as a unifying factor
The Gawai Dayak parade is now a feature of this celebration in Sarawak. I HAVE often been asked by a number of young people in the Iban community about the origin of the Gawai Dayak. Most of the time, I oblige them – relating as best I can by repeating what I have heard from verbal or read from written sources, or from my own memory. It is quite possible that there is more than one version. Today's column is based partly on information obtained during conversation, some 30 years ago, with the late Dato Sri Tra Zehnder, the first Iban woman to be appointed as a state legislator. Another source was Michael Buma, once a teacher at the Anglican Mission School in Quop. Tra expressed her inner thoughts to me thus: 'Maya Hari Raya kitai ngabang ngagai kaban kitai Melayu; maya Taun Baru China kitai ngabang ngagai kaban kitai China. Tang sida tu enda ngabang ngagai kitai, laban kitai Dayak nadai Ari Besai (We visit our Malay friends during the Hari Raya, and our Chinese friends during their New Year, but they do not visit us because we, the Dayaks, have no special day to celebrate during which the Malays and the Chinese can visit us in return).' Tra was referring to the situation in the context of the Dayaks who were residing and working in Kuching. Daughter of Sarawak Constabulary Sub-Insp Inting Jemat, she had been brought up in a cross- cultural setting in Kuching for most of her life that her world view was broad and pragmatic. In fact, for some time during the colonial period (1958-1960), the Dayak (settlers and/or residents of Kuching, mostly government servants and Christians), had been toying with the idea of another festivity that would be more traditional or cultural than religious and pious. This group, consisting of teachers and those whom we would call social activists, were more articulate and vocal in their views. Among them were Michael Buma, Ah Guan, Barbara Bay Mendu, Robert Jitam, Edward Jerah and Austin Jaga. Although Tra belonged to the community dominated by the police personnel and families, she managed to reach out to and maintain a good rapport with the ordinary members of the Dayak community in Kuching. She established a close contact with people like Malacca- trained nurse Barbara Bay (Mendu Bayang), Mrs Ang, Madam Tuyah and her daughter Susie Kitto. They formed the Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), the women's wing of the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), for the purpose of providing educational advice to Dayak women in Kuching. She also established a good relationship with Michael Buma and the political activists. However, these 'radicals' had a vision of their own as to how Dayaks of various groups could coalesce and constitute a force in society in Sarawak. Michael Buma, leading the group, moved one step further by proposing that the government of Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan (1963) should declare a day in each year as 'The Dayak Day'. While Tra endorsed Michael Buma's proposal, she had a problem with other members of the Council Negri who thought that she was being too political. Michael Buma, watching on the sidelines, made a bold move in defiance of the attitude of those legislators. He organised a tea party at his house in Siol Kandis, Kuching, and invited people of the same mind, 'Segulai Sejalai'. They were launching the celebration called the 'Dayak Day'. Yes, that day – June 1, 1964! I was not there. I was told by Daniel Ragam, who was present, that the atmosphere was politically electrified. Apparently, the Police Special Branch had sent a couple of boys to Michael Buma's house 'just for a drink' and, obviously, to keep an official eye on things. The significance of this Special Branch intrusion intrigued me as I was listening to Tra. Peter Ratcliffe, the director of Radio Sarawak, hinted to me that the government was going to declare June 1 as a public holiday to dilute the influence of the Dayak activists, using the radio to promote the concept of celebrating a successful harvest instead of something radical. The choice of the name 'Gawai Dayak' was deliberate, a strategy to pre-empt the influence of the activists. Kalong's government, fearing that the Dayak sentiment would develop into a political issue, used Radio Sarawak to promote the 'Harvest Festival' as the Gawai Dayak. That was it! The programme producers at Radio Sarawak even took the initiative to introduce a format for the celebration. For instance, on May 31, the eve of Gawai Dayak, each Dayak family should celebrate the occasion with a dinner at home – similar to the customary dinner among the Chinese on the eve of their New Year. A new festival was thus created for the Dayak community because the 'townies' wanted to have their own version of festival. The Christians among the townies were not in favour of anything pagan like, for instance, a 'miring' (traditional ritual to seek blessings). In the 1980s, the Gawai Dayak was organised as a state function. As a political device, it suits the politicians in power. They take advantage of the big gathering during which to be seen together with the 'common people' – 'Segulai Sejalai', you see! The 'Ngiling Tikai / Ngiling Bidai' (symbolic rolling-up of the mat, to mark the end of festivities) was not part of the Gawai as far as I could remember. However, it has become an accepted part of the proceedings by now. Anyway, who would pick up a quarrel over something that brings people together, even for a few hours, under one roof in the name of the slogan 'Segulai Sejalai'? * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper. culture Dayak Gawai Iban sarawak
