KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) has long been celebrated for its global music genre.
Although the main spotlight is on the music festival, this year the backdrop of the scene highlighted Sarawak’s living heritage through traditional textiles and indigenous spirits showcased by proud local artisans.
Among the featured cultural bearers was Engang Tukau, 55, a weaver from Rumah Melintang in Sungai Gaat, Kapit. A lifelong practitioner of the Iban tradition, Engang brought with her a collection of vibrant pua kumbu textiles, each handwoven using natural dyes and motifs inherited from generations past.
At her booth, the cloths swayed gently in the breeze, drawing in curious visitors with its rich colours and symbolic designs.
“Each pua kumbu tells a story of dreams, spirits, and protection,” said Engang, pointing to the symmetrical patterns.
Her participation was supported by Sarawak Energy’s Cascading Dam project, which is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative to uplift rural artisans. Her table runners and full-sized textiles were priced from RM400 to RM2,000, depending on complexity and size.
Her artistry caught the attention of many, including foreign tourists and members of royalty. On the first day of the festival, a member of the Perlis royal family purchased one of her works.
“Even royalty came by and bought my work. It makes me feel satisfied that my work of art is seen,” she said with pride.
Nearby, the scent of traditional Sarawakian liquor led visitors to the Honlynn Distillery booth. Founded in 2008, this was the brand’s second appearance at RWMF.
Fitz Shuk, 30, represented the local distillery and shared their mission to preserve tradition through modern presentation.
“We make tuak and langkau using traditional recipes, but with modern presentation and packaging. It’s our culture in a bottle,” said Fitz.
Honlynn was the only booth at the festival selling tuak and langkau. Their Sangkoh Langkau is priced at RM93 for a 750ml bottle. The tuak is offered in two sizes, RM38 for 750ml and RM19 for 360ml. Their products are now available in Kuala Lumpur at AEON Mall, Cold Storage, StarGrocer and many more. In Kuching, they are sold at social bars along Carpenter Street and through local vendors.
“We want people to taste something authentically Sarawakian. And we’re proud to see it reach markets across Malaysia,” Fitz said.
Artisans like Engang and entrepreneurs like Fitz show that RWMF is more than just a music festival. It is a celebration of heritage, identity, and community.
“Some of us travelled by boat and bus just to be here. But it’s worth it. This is a place to celebrate who we are,” said Engang with a smile.
As music pulsed through the rainforest and visitors reached for woven fabrics or raised a glass of tuak, the story of Sarawak came alive. It was told not only through sound but through every thread, every flavour, and every moment of pride.
