KOTA SAMARAHAN: Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol has called on the public not to overreact to visitors’ feedback regarding traditional Sarawak cuisine.
Instead, he urged support for visitors to explore and appreciate the culture, especially through trying various traditional dishes in the state.
“If there are people (visitors) who come and try our food and find it strange, I think it’s not their intention to insult, but sometimes we are overly sensitive.
“Let’s prove that we, Sarawakians, are not that sensitive but welcome everyone.
“Let them explore, if the first time they find Sarawak Laksa strange, maybe they can try other foods,” he said.
He told reporters this after officiating at UKAS Outreach Programme: Empowering UiTM Sarawak students at Dewan Jubli, UiTM Kota Samarahan Campus today.
Abdullah made these remarks when commenting on a viral TikTok video of a woman, believed to be from the Peninsula, seen covering her nose while trying Sarawak Laksa at a shopping mall in Kuching recently.
He said that such incidents should not be blown out of proportion, urging everyone to be more understanding and tolerant.
“Maybe she is not used to it, I was not used to eating Western food before. I think we do not need to be too emotional about that,” he added.
As such, Abdullah stressed the importance of providing accurate information about Sarawak cuisine, both by the media and the community, respectfully and inclusively.
“In other words, let us all be responsible, everyone has their tastes. If you don’t like it, it’s okay, try something else,” he said.
