AFTER 17 years in the interior of Long Laput, teacher Haniff Omar has grown accustomed to things many people in the city might struggle with — from carefully planning grocery supplies and enduring days-long blackouts to crossing rivers by boat despite his fear of heights.
Beyond the classroom and the paintings he sells online, Haniff’s daily life in the Baram interior is filled with quiet routines, simple meals and the warmth of the Kayan community he now considers family.
After 17 years of working in the interior, what has life there taught you the most?
I realised many things, especially when it comes to managing time and daily life properly.
Living in the interior taught me to become far more organised.
Before this, I never really planned much.
If something was missing at home, I could simply go out and buy it straight away — but life in the interior does not work like that.
I have to carefully plan my groceries and supplies because buying things means travelling all the way to Miri.
I need to make sure my food supplies last for weeks or even months.
Living here taught me how to solve problems instead of running away from them.
What do you enjoy most about life in Long Laput?
Life here is peaceful and calm.
The villagers are kind, and the culture of mutual respect remains very strong.
I also appreciate the simple things here — the fresh fruits, vegetables and fish that make life feel more meaningful.
Over the years, the Kayan community has welcomed me warmly, and that is something I will always be grateful for.
What do you usually do during your free time nowadays?
After my illness, my body is no longer as strong as it used to be.
These days, I spend my free time quietly — sometimes painting in the art room, and at other times simply resting and watching television.
I think life in the interior has taught me to appreciate quiet moments more.
Many people first discovered you through your cooking and daily-life videos online. How did that begin?
At first, I simply recorded whatever I was doing or seeing around me.
I never planned any content — I just shared parts of my daily life, including what I ate.
Then people started asking for recipes whenever I posted cooking videos.
I found it funny because my cooking is very simple.
I also got tired of typing everything out in the comments, so eventually I started making proper cooking videos with the ingredients and steps included.
What kind of meals do you usually cook in the interior?
My meals are quite repetitive — I usually cook the same dishes and just change the main ingredients depending on what is available around me.
I am still surprised people enjoy watching those videos because, for me, it is simply part of everyday life here.
Is there any local dish that you especially love?
Yes, definitely — kelupis and Orang Ulu-style pucuk ubi goreng.
They are really delicious.
What is the biggest challenge about living far away from your hometown?
It is much easier nowadays because we can stay connected through phone and video calls.
During long holidays, I still get to return home to Peninsular Malaysia.
The biggest challenge now is probably the cost of flight tickets, especially during school holidays when prices become very expensive.
Other than that, I think I have adapted well to life here.
Has living in the interior changed you as a person?
Yes, definitely.
Living here taught me the true meaning of patience.
For example, blackouts can last for days.
In the past, I would get frustrated whenever there was no electricity, but now I can just laugh and say, “It’s only a blackout.”
Living here also taught me to focus on solutions instead of complaints. If blackouts happen often, we get a generator.
During dry seasons, we learn to use water carefully.
What is one funny or memorable experience you still laugh about today?
Probably the first time I had to travel by boat.
I am afraid of heights, so every time I tried to get into the boat, my knees would shake because I was so nervous.
Looking back now, it was funny — but at the same time, it was also quite an enjoyable experience.
After spending nearly two decades in Long Laput, what are you most grateful for?
I feel very happy and fortunate to be here.
What I am most grateful for is the kindness of the people around me, especially the Kayan community, who have treated me so well throughout the years.
I truly feel blessed to be surrounded by such good people.
