KUCHING: Sarawak’s creativity and cultural heritage are taking centre stage at the Community Market on Level 1 of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), where 35 booths are showcasing local products, including the innovative Batik Linut, as part of the Sarawak Energy Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0).
Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) chairman Datuk Ibrahim Baki officiated at the Community Market today.
Featuring products from communities affected by SEB’s dam projects in Bakun, Murum, and Baleh, the market also highlights contributions from disability associations and local entrepreneurs.
SEB senior vice president of Corporate Services Siti Aisah Adenan said the initiative aims to preserve Sarawak’s cultural heritage while ensuring project-affected communities benefit from development programmes.
“The reason we are having this market is to make sure we maintain our culture. These are the people affected by our projects, so we want to ensure they also gain from them,” she said.
One of the main highlights is Batik Linut, an eco-friendly Sarawak-made textile that uses linut, a sticky porridge made from sago flour, as a natural resin, replacing traditional wax in the batik-making process.
This innovative approach not only promotes sustainability but also celebrates Sarawak’s unique cultural identity.
“We want to introduce Batik Linut as a new product in Sarawak. We have two Batik Linut booths and will also procure the material to produce laptop sleeves as merchandise for delegates and speakers,” Siti Aisah added.
Visitors can also explore a wide range of traditional handicrafts, including pua kumbu, alongside other locally made products that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak’s diverse communities.
The Community Market is part of the Sarawak Energy Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0), a two-day event happening from Sept 3 to 4 at BCCK that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and local communities to discuss renewable energy solutions, sustainability initiatives, and innovation in Sarawak’s energy sector.
