Preserving Heritage: Pewarta, Amber Publishing House launch “Sarawak Folklore Book I”, safeguarding local folklore

Abdul Karim (centre) launching "Sarawak Folklore Book I", alongside Julin (second left), Imperial Hotel Sales and Marketing Director, Irene Tan (left), Pewarta advisor Wilfred Syed Pilo (second right), and DayakDaily chief editor, Karen Bong at Imperial Hotel, Kuching on Oct 17, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 17: Sarawak’s vibrant storytelling heritage has taken a monumental leap forward with the official launch of “Sarawak Folklore Book I”, a compendium meticulously brought to fruition through a collaborative partnership between the Persatuan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (Pewarta) and Amber Publishing House Sdn Bhd (Amber).

The landmark publication was officially launched today by the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, during DayakDaily’s 2026 “Sarawak Folklore” Writing Competition Award Ceremony held at the Imperial Hotel Kuching.

Also present to witness the momentous occasion were MTCP Deputy Permanent Secretary Julin Alen, Pewarta advisor Wilfred Syed Pilo, Imperial Hotel Sales and Marketing Director Irene Tan, and DayakDaily chief editor Karen Bong.

Spearheaded by Pewarta with the steadfast support of the Ministry’s facilitation fund unit, the newly minted volume represents a crucial cultural safeguard designed to protect generational myths, family histories, and community roots from fading in a rapidly modernising world.

This initiative by Pewarta emphasised the urgent need to transition rich oral narratives into permanent print. Given Sarawak’s vast and vibrant collection of folklore, it is only right that these stories are celebrated, preserved, and converted into print.

Abdul Karim (third right) presenting copies of the “Sarawak Folklore Book I” to the winners of the writing competition.

With this book to stand against the tide of modernisation, the association is ensuring that its rich heritage, generational myths, and family histories are protected for generations to come, reminding everyone of the deep roots that ground the community.

The publication of “Sarawak Folklore Book I” is the result of a dedicated joint effort between Pewarta and Amber, working closely alongside the DayakDaily team.

The comprehensive volume features a rich assembly of cultural narratives, including all top 20 winning stories from DayakDaily’s 2026 writing competition themed “Sarawak Folklore”, complemented by 13 carefully curated stories drawn from DayakDaily’s annual D’Drift expeditions.

Abdul Karim (left) presenting copies of the “Sarawak Folklore Book I” to the winner of the writing competition.

Through the professional curation and publishing expertise of Amber, these powerful accounts have successfully transitioned from digital platforms and field expeditions into a lasting physical keepsake meant to inspire local writers and community members alike.

While oral retellings remain vulnerable to shifting memories and the passage of time, the creators of “Sarawak Folklore Book I” stress that the permanence of a physical book guarantees the survival of these invaluable cultural assets.

Abdul Karim (right) presenting copies of the “Sarawak Folklore Book I” to the winner of the writing competition.

The initiative not only honours local writing talent but also reinforces the community-wide effort required to preserve lesser-known regional histories.

Pewarta also recorded their heartfelt gratitude to the management of Imperial Hotel Kuching for providing an esteemed venue for the book launch ceremony, as well as extending deep appreciation to the MTCP for its invaluable financial and institutional backing. – DayakDaily