KUCHING, June 13: Tuak – a traditional Sarawak Rice Wine – is deeply rooted in the identity of the Dayak community and is synonymous with traditional ceremonies and celebrations such as Hari Gawai.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting proposes to set up a “tuak” festival and promote it as culture, in efforts to preserve its rich heritage and art of winemaking.
“We would promote culture such as tuak especially now during the period of Gawai.
“The festival will showcase what Sarawak have in terms of tuak production and to foster healthy competition among the tuak makers,” he said after launching the Sarawak Gastronomy (SAGO) Incubator 2023 on Tuesday.
He added, the festival could also expand to West Malaysia – where tuak is increasing in popularity – and eventually penetrate into global market.
Additionally, the Piasau assemblyman said the government will also look into assisting the longhouse community involved in the cottage industry to commercialise the product.
“We will have to look into this because at the moment, the production of tuak is only for own consumption and not for commercialisation,” he said.
Earlier, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in his text said Sarawak Laksa and other local cuisine can help promote Sarawak’s gastronomy tourism. -TVS
