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The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Sarawak's genetic diversity can help future-proof our health
In conjunction with the 62nd Sarawak Independence Day observed annually on July 22, we celebrated not only Sarawak's journey as an autonomous state within Malaysia but also its invaluable contribution to the nation'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 we move forward with the MyGenom Project – a national initiative aimed at sequencing the genomes of Malaysians from diverse ethnicities – 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 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. 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. The people of Sarawak, 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. High cases of leprosy 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 viral immunologist and senior lecturer at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Sarawak celebrates ethnic harmony at 2025 Unity Week
SIBU: The Sarawak government continues to champion community development while fostering unity among its diverse ethnic groups. Ngemah state assemblyman Anyi Jana emphasised that Sarawak is home to over 43 ethnicities, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay, Melanau, Chinese, and Penan communities. Each group maintains unique traditions, attire, cuisine, and beliefs, with places of worship coexisting peacefully in both urban and rural areas. 'This reflects the acceptance, tolerance, and mutual respect among Sarawakians,' said Jana during his speech at the 2025 Sarawak Unity Week (SMP) opening at Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang Square. The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of National Unity Senator Saraswathy Kandasami, representing Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang. Also present were ministry secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid and State National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) director Diwarna Azool. Saraswathy praised the theme 'Harmony in Diversity,' calling it fitting for Sarawak's multicultural society. 'Harmony here means peaceful coexistence among different backgrounds. The state's diversity includes Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and traditional beliefs,' she said. She highlighted practices like gotong-royong, longhouse living, and shared celebrations of Gawai, Hari Raya, Christmas, and Chinese New Year as proof of solidarity. 'Harmony in Sarawak is a lived reality, not just a slogan. People here embrace tolerance and collaboration beyond race or religion,' she added. - Bernama
The Star
6 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Sarawak's population a powerful scientific asset
SARAWAK, home to more than 40 ethnic groups including the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Orang Ulu and Penan, holds a rich mosaic of genetic variation. This diversity is a powerful scientific asset in understanding how Malaysians respond to diseases as the MyGenom project moves forward. Population immunology studies how immune responses vary between individuals and populations. These differences are often shaped by genetics. Just as our physical traits – height, skin tone, hair texture, etc. – differ, so do our immune responses to pathogens, medications and vaccinations.
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Senator Abun Sui calls for new state seat between Telang Usan and Belaga
Senator Abun Sui Anyit KUCHING (July 13): Senator Abun Sui Anyit hopes one of the 17 new state seats for Sarawak will be located between Telang Usan and Belaga districts. The PKR Hulu Rajang division head said this area – home to Orang Ulu communities like the Kenyah, Kayan, Penan, Punan, and Sekapan – is vast and among the most remote and logistically challenging in Sarawak. He explained these groups reside deep in mountainous terrain, far from administrative hubs, and are in dire need of stronger political representation to ensure their voices are heard in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) and in broader government decision-making. 'If geographical factor is indeed the basis to increase state seats in Sarawak, then it is imperative that one of the new seats is established in Belaga and Telang Usan. 'Belaga district alone covers over 19,400 square kilometres (km) – larger than the combined states of Perlis (821 square km) and Melaka (1,664 square km). 'Yet, this vast district has only one DUN (state) seat (Belaga) and a small portion is in the Murum seat, which makes it extremely difficult for elected representatives to effectively serve the widely scattered rural communities there,' he said in a statement today. He was responding to news reports quoting Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as saying the increase of state seats from 82 to 99 in Sarawak was in line with the state's geography. On July 7, the State Legislative Assembly passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 to add 17 new seats. According to Abun Sui, the Election Commission (EC) and the Sarawak government must ensure that this increase in seats is not merely symbolic or political, but truly guarantees inclusivity and justice for all ethnicities and regions, including rural areas which have been underrepresented. 'The people of Belaga district who have sacrificed a lot for the two mega hydroelectric projects — Bakun Dam and Murum Dam — have long hoped for Belaga to be upgraded to the 13th division of Sarawak. The addition of state seats should be seen as an opportunity to start taking steps towards realising this aspiration,' he added. Abun Sui Anyit belaga lead new seats state legislative assembly Telang Usan
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Top Sarawak cultural dancers have opportunities to gain global exposure, says Snowdan
Snowdan (fifth right) with (from right) Joshua, Wong, Tiang, Ting, Izkandar, Chieng and Ching Yong in a photocall after the opening of BCF 2025 on Friday. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 5): Top-performing cultural dance troupes in Sarawak will be given the opportunity to perform overseas as part of efforts to gain international exposure and showcase the state's diverse heritage, said State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan. He said such initiatives allow Sarawak's unique cultural identity to be presented on the global stage, while providing invaluable experience for the performers. In fact, he said the ministry has been sending cultural dance troupes abroad in the past several years now. 'Sometimes, there are international events held abroad that invite participation from various countries, requesting them to showcase cultural dances. 'And sometimes they invite us, so that's why our ministry, we can send people – dance troupes from Sarawak, whether from Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, as long as they are very good; they are good dancers of world-class caliber,' he told The Borneo Post when contacted for clarification on a point raised during his speech at the opening of the 21st Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) on Friday. According to Snowdan, the dance troupes must be part of registered associations or clubs, recognised by the Registrar of Societies (ROS), and subsequently registered with the ministry. 'So, it takes turns, sometimes from Sibu, sometimes from Bintulu, Miri or Kuching – for them to showcase our cultural dances from Melanau, Orang Ulu, Chinese, Iban (community), and so on, overseas. 'So that's why through our ministry, because we have a yearly budget to send the dance troupe to perform overseas,' he said. Snowdan encouraged local associations to register with the ministry and submit performance videos for consideration. 'And then, if your dance is really of very high standard, then we can always propose them next time to perform overseas, if there is an invitation,' he added, citing a recent example where Sarawak sent a 20-member dance group to an international event in the Philippines, which included participants from Korea and Japan. He said the entire trip was funded by the ministry, and the group performed in full traditional attire. He said similar performances have taken place in Bali, Jogjakarta, the United Kingdom, and Spain in recent years. During his visit to Bintulu, Miri, and other locations, Snowdan said he has been actively encouraging more associations to register, stressing the need to broaden opportunities. 'We want to open up the opportunities to other groups as we do not wish to be always sending the same group overseas. 'But they have to register with us. And then, of course, they must provide their video to us to show how good they are. 'And last time, we sent some dance groups also to Bali, and then to Jogja to perform, as well as to the UK and Spain,' he said. Snowdan also praised the 180-member dance troupe that performed during the BCF opening, describing their display as 'world-class'. He noted that Sarawak is targeting five million tourist arrivals by the end of 2025, expressing hope that events like the BCF will help boost visitor numbers. On a related note, he revealed that the number of gazetted ethnic groups in Sarawak has increased to 34, up from 27 previously. He also voiced optimism that Sibu could eventually be elevated to city status. BCF 2025 cultural dancers Sibu Snowdan Lawan
