KUCHING: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak Branch has vehemently denied recent allegations circulating on the Sarawak Public Feedback Facebook page, that the agency burned Iban literature and books.
DBP described the claims as unfounded and potentially damaging, stating that they could cause public confusion and tarnish the organisation’s reputation.
In a statement, DBP clarified its role as the successor to the Borneo Literature Bureau (BLB) since 1977.
The agency said that it has preserved all inherited resources from BLB, totalling 1,077 titles, including 444 BLB publications and 633 titles from Sarawak, Brunei, and Sabah collections.
These materials, DBP assured, remain accessible to researchers, writers, and the public at DBP’s Borneo Collection in Sarawak.
“As a government-mandated agency, DBP is committed to promoting and preserving Malaysia’s linguistic and literary heritage,” it said.
“We have been proactive in documenting and publishing works in native languages and local folklore across Sarawak.”
DBP highlighted its numerous contributions, including the publication of indigenous language dictionaries, such as Kamus Bahasa Melanau Mukah – Melayu Dewan, Kamus Bahasa Iban – Melayu Dewan, Kamus Bahasa Vaie – Melayu Dewan, and Kamus Melayu Sarawak – Melayu Dewan.
Additionally, the agency has published multiple word lists for various indigenous languages and 44 titles under its collection of Sarawak folklore literature, featuring works like ‘Telichu dan Telichai’ and ‘Avun Hagang Batang Kayo’.
DBP is also the key agency responsible for producing Bahasa Iban textbooks used in Sarawak schools, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (KPM).
“We are dedicated to advancing native languages, preserving folklore, and celebrating the cultural diversity of Sarawak’s communities,” it added.
“These findings are presented annually at the Sarawak Local Wisdom Seminar, involving researchers, literary advocates, academics, and community leaders.”
