KUCHING: A deep fascination with Sarawak’s prized freshwater fish, the empurau, took centre stage today as writer Emylin Badut shared insights from her award-winning book during a Bicara Karya (Author’s Talk) session at DeTAR, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on Friday.
The award-winning title, “Empurau: Ikan Eksotik Sarawak”, published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), offers readers a rare insight into the biology, ecology and cultural significance of the famed fish often regarded as the “King of the River”.
Emylin, who works in the fisheries field, said that the inspiration for the book came from her long-standing research interest in the species, which she has studied since her school days.
“Honestly, I wasn’t ready to write a book at first. But after being persuaded and realising how deep my passion for this fish was, I decided to give it a try,” she said.
Taking nearly three years to complete, the book combines scientific facts, field observation and local cultural elements gathered through years of fieldwork and interviews with experts.
“At the beginning, it was really difficult to develop ideas because most of the materials were technical.
“There weren’t many historical or cultural references available, so the challenge was to present the facts in a way that general readers could enjoy,” she explained.
Among her key sources were early researchers and officials involved in Sarawak’s fisheries development, including former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang who first promoted the species’ potential.
Through extensive collaboration, Emylin and her team gathered historical records, traditional stories and photographs, weaving them into a narrative that highlights both the scientific and cultural importance of the fish.
The book also emphasises environmental awareness, underscoring how the empurau’s survival depends on pristine rivers and unpolluted mountain streams.
“The empurau is very sensitive to changes in its environment. It only thrives in clean, cold waters and that’s why its price is so high.
“It takes at least three to four years before it can even be sold,” she said.
For Emylin, writing the book was more than a professional milestone — it was a personal dream fulfilled.
“This is my first book, and I’m really proud of it. It has been my dream for years to publish my own book.
“DBP guided me throughout the process, from language structure to editing. Seeing it finallycompleted felt like a dream come true,” she said.
Beyond science, empurau also documents the vanishing traditions of river communities, from fishing practices to seasonal rituals tied to fruit-bearing trees along Sarawak’s riverbanks.
“Young people today need to know how our elders used to catch fish and what tools they used.
“Those traditions are part of our identity, and they should be preserved,” she added.
Reflecting on the recognition, Emylin encouraged aspiring writers to stay determined.
“Writing isn’t easy, but if you have the passion and patience, the result will always be worth it.
“Don’t give up. Every page you write brings you closer to your dream,” she said.
