KUCHING: Recently, it was highlighted by the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to East Asia Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem that local tuak (rice wine) makers should try and market their products to Japan, especially since the Olympics Games will be held there next year.
Riot was informed by Japan’s Ambassador to Malaysia Hiroshi Oka that the sporting event would be the best avenue for Malaysia to promote its products.
Sarawak is rich with different cultures, which has resulted in a variety of local products being made.
New Sarawak Tribune interviewed the public to share their thoughts on what locally-made products should be marketed overseas.
Nor Amieyzah, 21, salesgirl
In my opinion, Sarawak’s very own kek lapis (layer cake) is a product that could be marketed to other countries. The kek lapis is sweet and I do believe that people in other countries would enjoy them.
Maliah Ali Omar, 58, housewife
I do believe that kek lapis is one of the products that should be sold globally. The best thing about kek lapis is that like our community, we have different layers but we are united as one, like the cake itself which is made up of different layers but tastes delicious.
Ahmad Sayuti Abu Hassan, 41, businessman
I think ikan terubuk masin (salted herring fish) should be sold internationally. For me personally, the fish is very delicious and it is hard to replicate the taste — so it is something unique for foreigners to enjoy.
Kiprawi Abdillah, 55, technician
I would recommend engkabang (illipe nut) oil to be promoted outside the country. You can get the oil from the engkabang trees and you could use it as cooking oil or even substitute it for cocoa butter.
Syahiran, 23, despatcher
I think that we should try to sell Bario rice to the outside market. Bario rice is very healthy and is very low in fat. I believe that it will be a hit outside, especially when nowadays people are conscious about their own health.
Mohd Izzudin Abdullah, 47, self-employed
One of the best dishes in Sarawak that I think should be introduced to the global market is the ayam pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo). This for me is an exotic dish and besides being healthy, it is also delicious. I do believe that foreigners will appreciate its taste and health benefits too.
