KUCHING: The number of entries for the Premier of Sarawak’s Best Book Award doubled to 22 this year, strengthening recognition for works documenting the state’s heritage, identity and knowledge.
Of the total, 12 entries were external publications while 10 were publications by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
“While the inaugural edition received 11 entries, this year the number has increased to 22 entries, which is double the previous figure,” said DBP’s Director-General Datuk Dr Hazami Jahari in a speech read by DBP Language and Literature Development Department’s Director Abang Haliman Abang Julai at the award presentation ceremony at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here on Friday night (Sept. 25).
Hazami said the increase showed the increasingly positive response from writers and publishers towards the award.
He said the award provided recognition for Sarawakian writers producing books on the state’s local identity and knowledge, covering areas such as culture, language, beliefs, flora and fauna.
“Efforts to publish such works not only enrich the body of knowledge, but also contribute to strengthening the national language as well as documenting local heritage for future generations,” he said.
Hazami also expressed appreciation to the Sarawak Government for its continued support for DBP, including funding high impact projects implemented by DBP Sarawak Branch.
He said the government’s support for the award was further reflected in the increase in prize money announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg last year.
The prize for the DBP Publication category increased from RM8,000 to RM15,000, while the External Publication category rose from RM5,000 to RM10,000.
“The increase in the value of the prizes is a significant form of appreciation for the efforts of writers, researchers and publishers, as well as an encouragement for them to continue producing quality works,” he said.
Hazami said the award, introduced in 2024, evaluated books published in 2022 and 2023 during its inaugural edition, while this year’s edition covered books published in 2024 and 2025.
He also stressed the importance of books in preserving Sarawak’s knowledge and heritage.
“Books are an important medium for recording knowledge, experiences and research findings so that the existing body of knowledge can be shared with a wider audience and continue to be utilised by future generations,” he said.
The second edition saw two works recognised for their contributions to documenting Sarawak’s heritage and identity.
‘Lada Hitam: Permata Sarawak’ by Izzah Abd. Hamid @ Ghazali and Wan Asrina Wan Yahya won the DBP Publication category and received RM15,000.
Meanwhile, ‘Etnik Bidayuh dan Bale Gambang Baruk: Identiti, Tradisi dan Perubahan’ by Charlie Ungang and Awang Azman Awang Pawi, published by Universiti Malaya, won the External Publisher category and received RM10,000.
Hazami expressed hope that the award would continue to grow as a platform for writers, researchers and publishers to produce, document and share quality works about Sarawak at national and international levels.
