KUCHING: Tuak is more than a traditional rice wine served during festive occasions, it has the potential to become Sarawak’s next heritage brand that can drive tourism, entrepreneurship and cultural pride.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the time has come for Sarawak to elevate its iconic beverage beyond local celebrations while ensuring its rich heritage and authenticity are preserved.
“Respect the history and meaning behind tuak, but at the same time, be creative. Use ‘kua’ in your innovations and create drinks that we can proudly introduce to the world.
“Just as we promote Sarawak’s culture globally, we also want to bring tuak to the world. We want tuak to one day stand alongside internationally recognised beverages such as Sake and Vodka,” he said when officiating at the Borneo Tuak Festival 2026, yesterday.
Rentap said the journey begins with protecting the traditional knowledge passed down through generations, describing veteran brewers as the custodians of authentic tuak-making.
“If we do not learn from these experienced brewers, authentic tuak will slowly disappear. They preserve the knowledge, the techniques and the identity of our traditional brew,” he said.
He added that developing tuak into a recognised Sarawak product requires more than brewing alone.
It involves producing quality rice, preserving traditional kua (yeast) through research and innovation, and encouraging young entrepreneurs to explore new products without compromising authenticity, he said.
“When all these elements come together, we create a complete ecosystem that can grow into a new industry for Sarawak while showcasing our heritage to the world,” he said.
Rentap also praised the Borneo Tuak Festival for bringing together brewers, entrepreneurs and visitors from different communities, saying the festival has evolved into a platform that celebrates Sarawak’s cultural diversity through its indigenous culinary heritage.
Describing the event as ‘not the end, but the beginning’, he expressed confidence that the festival would continue to grow and further establish Kuching as the home of the Borneo Tuak Festival and one of Borneo’s emerging gastronomy destinations.
He also reminded visitors to celebrate responsibly and to prioritise road safety while enjoying the festivities.
