MIRI: Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), in collaboration with the Penan Empowerment Networking Association (PENA), recently embarked on a ground-breaking project to help the Penan community document their rich history, culture and lifestyle.
The project, led by two media lecturers from Curtin Malaysia’s School of Pre-University and Continuing Education (SPACE), Peter Jamba and Hanley Fong, aimed to break stereotypes and provide an authentic representation of the Penan community in media.
Peter and Fong recently spent six days in Long Menging, located approximately six hours by road from Miri, to film a documentary on the Penan community there.
Their journey to Long Menging was particularly challenging due to the ongoing reconstruction of the Tutoh bridge, necessitating a river crossing to get to their destination.
According to a statement on Thursday (Oct 12), Peter said the primary objectives of producing the documentary were to showcase the unique Penan culture, preserve the oral history of the Penan community, and document their transition from nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyles to a settled way of life.
“Interviews were conducted with notable individuals in the community, providing invaluable insights into the community’s journey and experiences through the ages.
“Another objective was to capture the inaugural Penan Festival in Long Menging on video,” he said.
The festival featured a range of interesting activities, including a night walk, sale of handicrafts, Lamin Ta’nak (traditional hut) construction demonstration, and the collecting of wild rambutans and herbs in the jungle.
Members of the Penan communities at Ba Presek, Long Tarum, Long Seliang, Long Balau, and Ba Marong also joined in the festivities.
A team from Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri also travelled to Long Menging for the festival, where they organised reading sessions and distributed reading kits to children, contributing to the educational empowerment of the Penan children.
Peter emphasised the long-term commitment of the project team to Long Menging, adding that the project was just the beginning.
“We plan to return in August next year to capture more videos during the next Penan Festival. Our goal is to create a lasting record of the Penan community’s legacy for generations to come,” he added.
Reflecting on their recent experience, both lecturers expressed their gratitude to Long Menging village headman Kala Konee and the entire Long Menging community for their warm hospitality.
They also extended their appreciation to PENA for affording them the opportunity to be part of this transformative initiative.
The collaborative efforts of Curtin University Malaysia, PENA, and the Penan community mark a significant milestone in preserving the cultural heritage of this unique community.
Through its involvement in this project, Curtin Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to community engagement and cultural preservation.
