MIRI: Sarawak’s very own product, Batik Linut, a textile made from sago flour, will be launched on November 24 in Miri by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The launch is scheduled to be held at Miri Marriot Resort and Spa at 3pm, revealed former Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew at a press conference here yesterday (Saturday).
Batik Linut is developed using sago flour as the main ingredient to design patterns onto the textiles. It is pioneered by the Lamin Dana team in Tellian Mukah under the guidance of Malaysia Handicraft Development Corporation (MHDC) Sarawak branch.
Ting was confident the product would not only attract international tourists to Sarawak but Miri as well.
“The event will be launched under the platform of ‘Proudly Sarawak’ which is also a new annual event initiated by me,” he said, adding that ‘Proudly Sarawak’ would be the platform to introduce Batik Linut, Sarawak very own (Batik), and Lamin Dana fashion lines and all Sarawak premium products, local ralents, art and craft works as well to the world.
The word “Linut” refers to the starchy food made from sago flour which is a common food among the Melanaus and many indigenous groups in Borneo.
The flour is processed from a palm called “metroxylun sagu”. Sarawak is the main exporter of sago in the world and the Melanaus are synonymous with sago traditions and heritage for centuries.
In 2019, sago was given a new perspective. In the humble abode of Lamin Dana Cultural Lodge Mukah, Sago flour, colours, dashes of creativity and countless experimentations gave birth to a new exciting product known as Batik Linut.
Ting thanked the Lamin Dana Batik Linut Team and Mukah for their generosity in sharing the “Melanau soul and heritage” with Miri City and making the city as a gateway to reach out to Malaysians and the world.
Also present at the press conference was Lamin Dana Sdn Bhd’s managing director Diana Rose.
“Born in Mukah, brought to the world via Miri City, Batik Linut will be Miri City’s signature product,” added Ting.
