Latest news with #Melanau
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Fatimah: Authenticity of Pesta Kaul must be preserved for future generations
Fatimah and other guests pose for a group photo after officially launching Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara. MUKAH (June 2): The authenticity and cultural significance of the Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara must be preserved to reflect the true spirit of the traditional Melanau celebration passed down through generations, said Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. 'If tourists want to witness an authentic Kaul festival, they should come and experience the Pesta Kaul in Mukah,' she said when officiating the opening ceremony of the festival today. Fatimah praised the collaboration between the older and younger generations in ensuring the annual continuation of the cultural event. 'The involvement of both senior and upcoming generations ensures the continuity of the authentic Pesta Kaul,' she said, when officiating at the opening of the Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara today. Fatimah congratulating the committee members for successfully carrying out the responsibility of continuing this cultural legacy. Looking ahead, Fatimah proposed strengthening the celebration further by 2026. 'We can enhance the Pesta Kaul with more structured planning through discussions between local village committees (JKKK) and district office,' she said. She stressed the importance of refining and elevating festival activities, showcasing the innovation and craftsmanship of the Melanau people, particularly in traditional raft-making for the symbolic Serahang procession. To preserve the unique identity of Pesta Kaul, Fatimah highlighted the importance of traditional Melanau attire as a defining feature of the festival, and urged focus on traditions rooted in pre-Islamic and pre-Christian Melanau culture. 'The authenticity of Pesta Kaul must be preserved and passed down. The younger generation must understand its significance through oral storytelling competitions or written narratives about the Kaul,' she explained. Workshops on Serahang making should also be organised to prevent the loss of this cultural craft, she added, while urging the community to safeguard their unity and cultural space against negative external influences. In addition to the cultural aspects, Fatimah also outlined several completed and upcoming development projects under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) in Dalat, and emphasised the importance of education. She noted that the government continues to provide substantial support for early childhood education, ensuring access to quality schooling for children in rural areas. fatimah abdullah lead Melanau community Pesta Kaul
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
When a Melanau-inspired songket dress shimmered at Cannes
Nisha Thayananthan turned heads at Cannes on May 22 when she walked the red carpet in this striking black-and-gold ballgown. (Nisha Thayananthan pic) PETALING JAYA : On May 22, Malaysia's iconic songket made its appearance on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival for the very first time, draped elegantly on former Miss Earth Malaysia Dr On May 22, Malaysia's iconic songket made its appearance on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival for the very first time, draped elegantly on former Miss Earth Malaysia Dr Nisha Thayananthan Under the dazzling lights of the French Riviera, she stepped out in a black-and-gold ensemble adorned with 999 Swarovski crystals, turning heads while proudly showcasing the heritage of Sarawak's Melanau community. Nisha, a plastic-surgery resident based in Dublin, Ireland, was making her third appearance at the annual French film festival. 'The opportunity to attend Cannes was a dream come true,' she told FMT Lifestyle. 'This wasn't my first experience there, but it was my first time walking the red carpet wearing a Malaysian design.' Named Mystical Jerunai, the gown draws inspiration from the jerunai: traditional burial poles used hundreds of years ago by Melanau aristocrats. These towering ironwood structures, some reaching up to 15m, were carved with intricate motifs – from dragons and snakes to flora and fauna for female aristocrats – reflecting the rank of the deceased. While this was Nisha's third red-carpet appearance at Cannes, it was her first time wearing a Malaysian design. (Bernama pic) Rozie Khan, a Sarawak native and seasoned designer since 2000, has made a name for herself by fusing cultural and modern elements in her creations. This latest one, too, was a tribute to her roots. 'I feel extremely proud to have showcased my work at such a prestigious event, while also being able to promote Malaysian culture on the international stage,' she told FMT Lifestyle. 'This was the first time my design was showcased at Cannes. Previously, most of my creations were featured in beauty pageants,' she added – Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Planet, to name just three. Rozie Khan. Asked about the concept behind Mystical Jerunai, Khan explained: 'The checkered pattern was inspired by the jerunai pillar, incorporating flora and fauna carvings as the main decorative elements.' The bodice was designed using her signature draping technique, which gives the bustier a regal silhouette. 'The design itself was inspired by the look of the Melanau 'terendak', the traditional headgear that resembles the shape of a ballgown skirt,' Khan highlighted. Its black base represents the official colour of Melanau ceremonial attire, traditionally paired with gold 'dokoh' (ornamental accessories) – hence, the black-and-gold theme. It took her about two months to complete the gown, and the process came with its share of challenges. Among them? 'Songket is a high-risk fabric that tends to shrink from the intended measurements.' The stunning ballgown, designed by Rozie Khan, pays tribute to her cultural roots. (Nisha Thayananthan pic) As for Nisha, the medical graduate from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak said preparing for the ballgown's big red-carpet debut involved months of research, design conceptualisation, and collaboration with skilled artisans. All in all, it took them close to a year – but the payoff was instantaneous when she saw herself in the end product. 'I was overwhelmed!' she said. 'The songket patterns shimmered in the light, and the gown's silhouette was breathtaking. 'I was proud to represent Malaysian craftsmanship and culture on the global stage. Wearing it was surreal – I felt like a princess.' On the red carpet, she channelled exactly that: the style, sophistication and poise of royalty. 'My mind was focused on soaking in the moment, and conveying confidence and pride with every pose.' Follow Nisha Thayananthan and Rozie Khan on Instagram.
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Umai goodness for Gawai
Umai is a traditional raw seafood dish from Sarawak. Commonly prepared by the Melanau people living along the coast, it is often made with fish but prawns are just as popular. It is Sarawak's answer to ceviche, a dish where the seafood is 'cooked' in acid – typically lime juice – and combined with aromatics to create a refreshing, and tangy dish. This quick-curing preparation requires no heat and relies on the freshness of its ingredients. However, unsanitary preparation may lead to illness. The American Dietetic Association has urged pregnant women to avoid ceviche due to the possible health risks from improper preparation. If raw seafood is an issue for your guests, you can blanch the prawns very briefly before marinating. Umai is Sarawak's traditional dish popular during festivities like Gawai Dayak. — Photos: ARIQ HIDAYAT/The Star In Sarawak, umai is especially popular during festivities like Gawai Dayak. Celebrated on June 1 and 2, Gawai marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new farming cycle. As families prepare a wide spread of dishes to share with guests, umai is often part of the celebration because it is easy to prepare in large quantities. It can also be made ahead of time and is best enjoyed communally. Umai also showcases the region's prized ingredients, including Sarawak black pepper. Known for its strong aroma, complex flavour and bright heat, Sarawak black pepper gives umai an extra layer of depth. It cuts through the lime juice and raw onions with a warm, lingering spice. For an extra layer of fragrance, add a small amount of julienned calamansi rind into the cured prawns. The zest brings out the floral, slightly bitter notes of the fruit and enhances the overall citrus profile. Use sparingly, as the rind is potent and can easily overpower if overdone. Ingredients for a refreshing, tangy 'umai'. Prawn umai Ingredients 500g medium-sized prawns, shelled 400g calamansi limes 1 tsp salt to taste 1 tsp black pepper to taste 1 tsp sugar to taste 100g shallots, finely sliced 150g red onion, finely sliced 60g young ginger, finely julienned 50g red chillies, finely sliced Garnish 50g coriander, roughly chopped 40g peanuts, roasted, dehusked and lightly crushed Calamansi lime halves Directions Cut calamansi limes in half and squeeze out the juice. It should yield about ¾ cup of juice. Finely julienne the rind of about five pieces of half calamansi rinds and set aside. Slice each prawn in half lengthwise and remove the guts. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Place prawns in a non-metallic bowl. Add the calamansi lime juice and mix well. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes until the prawns turn opaque. Add salt, pepper and sugar to the prawns. Mix gently. Stir in the shallots, red onion, ginger, calamansi rind, and red chillies. Toss the mixture gently until evenly combined. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt, pepper or lime juice as needed. Transfer to a serving plate or shallow bowl. Garnish with chopped coriander, crushed peanuts, and extra lime halves. Serve prawn umai chilled. It can be eaten on its own, with rice or with keropok. It works well as a starter or side dish, especially in warm weather or during festive gatherings.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysian doctor dazzles in songket on Cannes red carpet
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Miss Earth Malaysia 2021, Dr Nisha Thayananthan, was among the few Malaysians who attended the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, walking the red carpet on May 22 in an outfit themed around the heritage of the Sarawak Melanau community. Her black and gold songket ensemble, adorned with 999 Swarovski stones, was inspired by the traditional burial poles of the Melanau people. Dr Nisha, making her third appearance at the prestigious event in France, is currently serving as a plastic surgery resident in Dublin, Ireland. "By wearing this songket outfit, I was able to showcase the richness of the culture of our indigenous community to the world. Not many know the Melanau community. I have spoken to many here about the dress; they are inspired, and some would love to have the fabric to design other outfits. "It's important to bring Malaysia's traditions to the world's attention. I'm proud to be the first woman to wear songket at the Cannes Film Festival red carpet," she told Bernama. Dr Nisha, who obtained her medical degree from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, said her dress was designed by Malaysian designer Rozie Khan, with the creation process taking nearly a year. Every detail symbolised the subtlety of Melanau culture. "This exquisite and elegant ball gown is inspired by the Melanau's traditional tiang nisa or jerunai (burial pole), which symbolised the authority of the Melanau nobility in ancient times. "Adorned with golden thread motifs replicating the traditional jerunai carvings, as well as 999 Swarovski crystals, this gown embodies the highest rank (Pangkat 9) in Melanau society," she said. According to Dr Nisha, showcasing Malaysian heritage on the international stage is not merely a matter of fashion but serves as a form of cultural diplomacy. Speaking in the context of Malaysia's Asean chairmanship this year, she said the nation can play a significant role in promoting cultural exchange, collaboration, and innovation in creative industries. "By nurturing our creative industries, we can strengthen relationships within Asean and globally, fostering greater understanding, appreciation, and cooperation among member states," she added. – Bernama
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Malaysian doctor dazzles in ‘songket' at Cannes red carpet event
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Miss Earth Malaysia 2021 Dr Nisha Thayananthan, who was among the few Malaysians who attended the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, walked the red carpet on May 22 wearing an outfit themed around the heritage of the Sarawak Melanau community. Her black and gold songket ensemble adorned with 999 Swarovski stones was inspired by the traditional burial poles of the Melanau people. Dr Nisha, who was making her third appearance at the prestigious event in France, is currently serving as a plastic surgery resident in Dublin, Ireland. 'By wearing this songket outfit, I was able to showcase the richness of the culture of our indigenous community to the world, not many know the Melanau community. I have spoken to many here about the dress, they are inspired and some would love to have the fabric to design other outfits. 'It's important to bring Malaysia's traditions to the world's attention. I'm proud to be the first woman to wear songket at the Cannes Film Festival red carpet,' she told Bernama. Dr Nisha, who obtained her medical degree from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, said her dress was designed by Malaysian designer Rozie Khan, adding that the process of creating it took nearly a year, with every detail symbolising the subtlety of Melanau culture. 'This exquisite and elegant ball gown is inspired by the Melanau's traditional tiang nisa or jerunai (burial pole), which symbolised the authority of the Melanau nobility in ancient times. 'Adorned with golden thread motifs replicating the traditional jerunai carvings, as well as 999 Swarovski crystals, this gown embodies the highest rank (Pangkat 9) in Melanau society,' she said. According to Dr Nisha, showcasing Malaysian heritage on the international stage is not merely a matter of fashion but serves as a form of cultural diplomacy. Speaking in the context of Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship this year, she said the nation can play a significant role in promoting cultural exchange, collaboration and innovation in creative industries. 'By nurturing our creative industries, we can strengthen relationships within ASEAN and globally, fostering greater understanding, appreciation and cooperation among member states,' she added.
