TELLIAN has the potential to become major cultural tourism destinations in Sarawak, and this opportunity must be maximised with strategic investment and strong government support.
Its assemblyman Royston Valentine highlighted the significance of the RM129 million allocation for tourism infrastructure and RM194 million for promotion in the Sarawak 2026 budget, stressing that these funds could be used to develop the area’s unique cultural attractions and handicrafts.
“With these allocations, the government has a golden opportunity to strengthen Lamin Dana and Sapan Puloh as flagship cultural tourism destinations,” he said during the Supply (2026) Bill 2025 debate at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
He pointed to Lamin Dana and Sapan Puloh as prime examples of community efforts to preserve Melanau culture.
“Lamin Dana is renowned for its concept of cultural preservation and sharing. Its main activities include cultural exhibitions, traditional dance performances, preparation of Melanau cuisine, handicraft workshops and ‘batik linut’ production.
“The site also features jerunai, traditional burial poles of Melanau nobility, showcasing the community’s unique architecture and heritage,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sapan Puloh, a mini museum established in 2012 by Tommy Black in Kampung Tellian Tengah, displays artifacts, ceremonial items for weddings and funerals, traditional medicinal tools and historical objects.
“It provides visitors with an engaging opportunity to understand Melanau customs, history and heritage,” he said.
Royston also highlighted the growing appeal of Melanau handicrafts in Mukah.
“Products such as ‘batik linut’, ‘terendak/tapou’ and sago worm-inspired souvenirs (si’et) are gaining recognition among tourists,” he said.
He noted that artisan, Julaihi Hassan, through his brand Anggun Handicraft & Souvenir, transforms traditional motifs into contemporary products like keychains, fridge magnets and driftwood frames.
“His creations showcase local materials while preserving Melanau heritage and have been featured at the Borneo Craft Expo and Conference and exhibitions at Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
He also praised Johnny Anthony, another artisan, for conducting workshops to teach traditional ‘terendak/tapou’ techniques to younger generations.
“These initiatives are crucial to ensure that our cultural heritage is preserved and passed on,” he said.
He stressed that with strategic government support in promotion, infrastructure, community training and heritage-based programmes, Lamin Dana, Sapan Puloh and Melanau handicrafts can be developed into premier cultural tourism destinations.
“This will not only attract more domestic and international visitors but also safeguard the Melanau cultural legacy for future generations,” he said.
