# data[].attributes.body
Location: Sarawak (Limbang division; Trusan, Ba Kelalan, Long Semadoh, and Long Uping which is located in Lawas Town.
Indigenous group: Sarawak's indigenous
Spoken language: Lun Bawang language (dialects include Trusan, Lun Daye, Papadi, Lun Dayah, Adang, Tabun, Treng, Kolur, Padas, Trusan and Lepu Potong), Malaysian language, Sarawakian Malay language and Indonesian language.
Background: The Lun Bawang tribe is believed to be from central Borneo island. Lun Bawang means inland people. "Lun" means People while "Bawang" means Ulu (inland). In Malaysia, there are actually 3 categories of the tribe namely the Lun Bawang which settled in Sarawak, Lun Dayeh in Sabah and the Murut in Brunei. The early settlement of the Lun Bawang tribe was found to be in the highlands of Kerayan Kelabit, which is the northern central region of Borneo. They migrated to Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei around the 17th and 18th centuries though most of them are still in Kalimantan. The tribe is also known for its brave warrior and raiders. They live in the highlands which makes it easy for them to attack the enemy in the lowlands. Moreover, the topography of the mountainous areas has trained the stamina and agility of the Lun Bawang community.
Population: Roughly 39,461
Religion: Christian, Islam and animism.

# data[].attributes.body
Irau Aco Festival is a traditional celebration of the rice harvest festival for the Lun Bawang tribe. It is the largest event for all of the Lun Bawang tribe to gather in a specific place for that special day. This 3 days long festival is celebrated in Lawas Sarawak from the end of May until the 2nd of June. Their counterparts; the Lun Dayeh from Sabah, the Murut from Brunei, and from Indonesia are also invited to the festival.

Highlights of the festival:

1. The community’s cultural dances, ‘Nguip Suling’ (bamboo flute band) and ‘Angklung’ performance (traditional instrument made of a varying number of bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame).

2. The Ruran Ulung and Padan Liu Burung pageants for women and men, respectively.

3. The Lun Bawang traditional cuisine.

4. Traditional games and showcases of local handicrafts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Irau Aco Lun Bawang Festival, Lawas Sarawak Borneo Tribal Event 跨境婆罗洲游踪土著达雅竹音乐原住民部落传统文化仪式丰收节日

# data[].attributes.headline
News article: Irau Aco Lun Bawang 31 May to 2 June at Dataran Bandar Lawas

# data[].attributes.subject
News article: Irau Aco Lun Bawang 31 May to 2 June at Dataran Bandar Lawas

# data[].attributes.body
Key points from the article:

1. Chairman Petrus Lasong said the 32nd festival is expected to attract about 30,000 visitors.

2. He stated the huge number of visitors is due to the fact that this is the largest gathering for the Lun Bawang tribal community in Sarawak with participation from other Lun Bawang ethnic groups from Sabah, Brunei, and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

3. The objective of the festival is to show the rich culture and heritage of the Lun Bawang tribe by filling in various activities such as bamboo marching band competition between each village, arts and music programs, fashion shows and traditional poetry in the Lun Bawang language.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
MEMUKAU: Peserta Ruran Ulung dan Padan Liu Burung 2018.

IRAU Aco Lun Bawang (Pesta Lun Bawang) anjuran Persatuan Lun Bawang Sarawak (PLBS) akan diadakan dari 31 Mei hingga 2 Jun di Dataran Bandar Lawas.

MENARIK: Perarakan Irau Aco Lun Bawang turut disertai kontinjen dari Tenom, Sabah.

Untuk maklumat lanjut, layari Irau Aco Lun Bawang di laman Facebook.

oleh

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Irau Aco Lun Bawang 31 Mei hingga 2 Jun di Dataran Bandar Lawas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
IRAU Aco Lun Bawang (Pesta Lun Bawang) anjuran Persatuan Lun Bawang Sarawak (PLBS) akan diadakan dari 31 Mei hingga 2 Jun di Dataran Bandar Lawas. Untuk maklumat lanjut, layari Irau Aco Lun Bawang di laman Facebook. oleh

# data[].attributes.body
Image:
Lundayeh, Lun Bawang in Malaysia. (n.d.). Joshuaproject.net. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/15053/MY

Lun Bawang Tribe. (n.d.). LIFE SPRING. http://www.lifespring-buedulun.net/lun-bawang-tribe/

Lun Bawang Festival (Irau Aco). (2020, June 1). Visit Sarawak. https://sarawaktourism.com/event/lun-bawang-festival-irau-aco/

Article:
Jude Toyat. Irau Aco Lun Bawang 31 Mei hingga 2 Jun di Dataran Bandar Lawas. (2019, April 11). Utusanborneo. https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2019/04/11/irau-aco-lun-bawang-31-mei-hingga-2-jun-di-dataran-bandar-lawas

Blog/website:
Lun Bawang di Borneo. (2020, May 4). Kata Malaysia. https://katamalaysia.my/culture/lun-bawang-di-borneo/

Lun Bawang. (2021, April 13). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lun_Bawang#Sarawak

Video:
Bombastic Borneo. (2017, Dec 23). Irau Aco Lun Bawang Festival, Lawas Sarawak Borneo Tribal Event 跨境婆罗洲游踪土著达雅竹音乐原住民部落传统文化仪式丰收节日 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojEP5n2UcVc&ab_channel=BombasticBorneo

# data[].attributes.body
Location: Kinabatangan River, Sandakan, Beluran, Kota Marudu, Ranau, Sandakan and Lahad Datu.
Indigenous group: Sabah's indigenous
Spoken language: Sungai language and Malay
Background: Orang Sungai is an indigenous people native to the state of Sabah. Their ethnic group is now listed under the Kadazan-Dusun because of the similarities in their customs and traditions. Orang Sungai belongs to one of the biggest tribe in the region consist of 32 other sub-ethnic groups. They also have a good relationship between other indigenous races in Sabah since time immemorial. They have live with the Bajau, Bugis and Suluk (Tausug) tribes which are the locals in the east coast area that are mostly inhabited by these tribes. As such, there is some cultural sharing between the tribes.

Population: More than 270,000
Religion: Islam, Christian and animism

# data[].attributes.headline
The Orang Sungai settlement along the Kinabatangan River

# data[].attributes.subject
The Orang Sungai settlement along the Kinabatangan River

# data[].attributes.body
The Damas festival is a festival to celebrate the boats. Damas in the Sungai language means boat (perahu). This festival is a sign that symbolizes the importance of boats in the community. Besides functioning as a mode of transportation, the boat is also used for works since most of the Orang Sungai is a fisherman back in the day. Nowadays, the festival is celebrated merrily in Dataran Tamu Pekan Sukau where it is opened to the public that wants to join in and be a part of the celebration.

Highlights of the festival:

1. Boat racing competitions, boat decorating competitions.

2. Traditional clothes exhibition and beauty pageant competition.

3.  Damas (boat) making demonstrations and boat exhibitions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pertandingan Perahu Damas Berhias | Pesta Damas 2019 | Sukau, Kinabatangan.

# data[].attributes.body
Location: Coast of South Selangor from Sungai Pelek to Pulau Carey and Klang River.
Indigenous group: Senoi
Spoken language: Besisi (Mah Meri language) and Malay
Background: The Mah Meri people were originally seafaring nomads that began to settle in the islands on the west coast of Thailand, Myanmar and Carey Island Malaysia about 300 years ago. It is believed the Mah Meri people were trying to escape enslavement from the pirates operating in the Straits of Malacca and the Andaman sea. They used to lived on their boats trading sea food for essentials. Nowadays, there are some that still remain fisherman and traders.
Population: Around 4,000
Religion: Ethnic religion (forest and natural spirituality), Christian and Islam.

# data[].attributes.body
Hari Moyang Puja Pantai (Puja Pantai Thanksgiving) is the last of the traditional ritual still practiced by the Mah Meri community. This is a ritual to appease the spirit of the sea. The ritual started after an event where a ship carrying passengers and goods was caught in a big storm off Pulau Carey, near Tanjung Rhu, in the Straits of Malacca. No one believes that the ship would make it but to their surprise, it was dragged to the shore by some unknown force. It was believed that Moyang Getah (Spirit of the rubber) had saved the ship and its passengers from their impending doom. This festival is celebrated on February.

Highlights of the festival:

1. Procession and parades of offerings. The whole village march toward to the shores where a grand alter had stood for many years.

2. Special Hari Moyang performance. (Dance and songs to praise the spirit of rubber and other spirits).

3. Offering to Moyang at the grand altar after it almost submerged at high-tide.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hari Moyang of Mah Meri Tribe (Puja Pantai)

# data[].attributes.headline
News article: Join Malaysia's Mah Meri tribe in the Puja Pantai Thanksgiving ceremony 

# data[].attributes.subject
News article: Join Malaysia's Mah Meri tribe in the Puja Pantai Thanksgiving ceremony 

# data[].attributes.body
Key points from the article:

1. The day-long festival that take place at the Mah Meri Cultural Village in Carey Island have been opened to the public since 2016.

2. Visitors would be allowed to participate in the parade section and to help the villagers carrying the offerings provided they are being mindful and respectful throughout the ritual.

3. The performance of the mystifying Tarian Jo-oh and Tarian Topeng which are the main features of the festival repertoire.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Ever wanted to be part of an indigenous community event that's over 300 years old? On Jan 29, you can witness the Mah Meri tribe performing a seaside ceremony called Puja Pantai, a thanksgiving ritual, which offers prayers to the spirits of the seas in Carey Island, Selangor.

Puja Pantai is one of the important rituals still being practised by the Mah Meri and it is believed to appease the guardians of the sea and honour the protector spirits.

The day-long Puja Pantai Festival 2020 will take place at the Mah Meri Cultural Village in Carey Island.

For the first time since Puja Pantai was opened to the public in 2016, visitors would be able to participate in the parade section of this thanksgiving ritual. Visitors can assist villagers in carrying some of the offerings to sea.

The Puja Pantai Festival has given the Mah Meri tribe a platform to introduce their culture to the masses, but visitors will still need to be respectful and mindful it is an important traditional ritual for the community.

The villagers believe that the Moyang Getah (Spirit of the Rubber) protected their junk ship that was caught in a big storm off the coast of Carey Island, near Tanjung Rhu hundreds of years ago.

"Visitors are expected to behave respectfully so as to not disrupt the ceremony. During the parade, they should not block the path or form crowds in front of them. They should not take the food and drinks from the altars as these offerings are for the spirits of the sea, " says Rachael Lum, LokaLocal's content and marketing lead.

This is the fourth year the Mah Meri Cultural Village will be partnering with LokaLocal, an online travel marketplace for experiential activities, to promote Puja Pantai.

The cultural village works alongside the Mah Meri community to preserve their cultural heritage, while educating the outside world about their way of life.

This year, up to 200 visitors can participate in this ritual, which starts at 9am.

The day before the ritual, the villagers will spread rice offerings into the sea and offer prayers to the spirit houses. At sunset, the villagers will commemorate their departed loved ones by offering food and drinks to them.

On the day itself, the villagers will march to the grand altar during low tide to make their offerings. Visitors can receive blessings from the Mah Mari shaman, join the traditional dance and witness the ceremony itself after lunch. During the festival, the Mah Meri tribesmen and women wear intricately carved masks and perform the mystifying Tarian Jo-oh and Tarian Topeng, which are the main features of the festival repertoire. These famous wood masks produced by the Mah Meri crafts people from Carey Island have also been selected as one of the country's handicraft products to be highlighted in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020.

"Most Malaysians are not aware of how truly diverse our country is. Joining the Puja Pantai event to observe these age-old rituals can open our eyes to a lesser-known cultural heritage.

"At the same time, this is a way of showing our support for the Mah Meri and encouraging them to continue Puja Pantai for years to come, " shares Lum.
The Puja Pantai Festival 2020 is on at the Mah Meri Cultural Village, Jalan Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Bumbun, Kampung Manikavasagam, Carey Island in Selangor on Jan 29. Entrance fee: RM90. For more details: www.lokalocal.com.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Join the Mah Meri tribe in an ancient ritual at the Puja Pantai Festival

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ever wanted to be part of an indigenous community event that's over 300 years old? On Jan 29, you can witness the Mah Meri tribe performing a seaside ceremony called Puja Pantai, a thanksgiving ritual, which offers prayers to the spirits of the seas in Carey Island, Selangor.

# data[].attributes.body
Location: Sarawak (mainly), Sabah (North Borneo) and Brunei.
Indigenous group: Sarawak's indeginous
Melanau division: 15
Spoken language: Melanau and Malay.
Dialect: 6 namely,
1. Central Melanau (Mukah-Oya,  Balingian, Bruit, Dalat, Igan,  Sarikei, Segahan, Prehan,  Segalang, Siteng).
2. Matu-Daro.
3. Kanowit (Sungai Tanjong)
4. Sibu (Seduan and Banyok)
5. Seru (Extinct)
6. Kapit
Origin: The Melanau is one of the indigenous groups in Sarawak. They are among the earliest settlers in Sarawak and they lived in scattered communities along the Rajang River in Central Sarawak.
Population: 132,000
Religion: Islam, Christian, Evangelical, Ipok (animism).

# data[].attributes.body
Location: Perak and Pahang
Indigenous group: Senoi
Spoken language: Semai and malay (younger generation).
Background: The Semai is a semi-sedentary ethnic group living in the center of Peninsular Malaysia. They belong to the largest indigenous ethnic group, Senoi. The Semai have been thought to be the descendants of the original population of Southeast Asia which had arrived in Peninsular Malaysia between 8000 to 6000 BC.

Population: Between 54,000 to 58,000
Religion: Ethnic religion (animism), Christian. Evangelical, Islam.

# data[].attributes.body
Jis Pai or formerly known as Jis Genggulang is a very special festival done by the Semai community to celebrate a good harvest. The festival is mostly celebrated in Perak as that is where the majority of the Semai have settled. Jis Pai used to be celebrated by different tribes at a different time between December and March but was made into a joint celebration some years back.

Highlights of the festival:

1. Sewang dance (dancing in a cirlce to music produced from bamboo).

2. Showcase of the traditional arts and craft done by the Semai.

3. Blowdart competition.

# data[].attributes.body
This video shows the activities held during the Jis Pai Festival.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PERAYAAN HARI ORANG ASAL KG KELINSING 2019

# data[].attributes.body
Key points from the article:

1. Jis Pai or Genggulang is a huge celebration in Perak where the Semai, Temiar, Lanoh, Kensiu, and Jahai tribes would gather every year without fail to give thanks for the plentiful harvest.

2. Tan Sri Bernard Dompok  said the Jis Pai fiesta was an excellent opportunity for the Orang Asli to introduce the uniqueness of their culture to others.

3. Perak Orang Asli Foundation (YOAP) chairman Suki Mee said that he hope to enhance public awareness of the orang asli culture by bringing the Jis Pai celebration to town.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
JIS Pai or Genggulang, the orang asli harvest festival, is a huge celebration in Perak.

Without fail, the Semai, Temiar, Lanoh, Kensiu and Jahai tribes would come together each year to give thanks for their harvest, even if it meant having to travel across the state.

Starting with a leadership seminar and dialogue between orang asli smallholders and the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry, this year's day-long fiesta lasted past midnight with joyous dancing and singing.

The Gopeng Municipal Council Hall was packed to the brim with young and old eager to listen to orang asli artistes from Asyik FM sing.

Accompanying the artistes Kamel, Ramlan Abak, Noraini Abu, Rohana Angik and Maznan Bah Gajah, was the orang asli band, D' Minda.

There was also a sewang dance by the womenfolk of Ulu Geroh while local comedians Abon, Angeline Tan and Ali Mamak had the crowd, including Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, in stitches with their funny antics.

Several local dancers also wore the costumes of the indigenous groups from Sabah and Sarawak.

In his speech, Dompok said the Jis Pai fiesta was an excellent opportunity for the orang asli to introduce the uniqueness of their culture to others.

Jis Pai used to be celebrated by the different tribes at varying times between December and March, but was made a joint celebration among the tribes some years back.

Perak Orang Asli Foundation (YOAP) chairman Suki Mee said: "We hope to enhance public awareness of the orang asli culture by bringing the Jis Pai celebration to town."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
JIS Pai or Genggulang, the orang asli harvest festival, is a huge celebration in Perak. Without fail, the Semai, Temiar, Lanoh, Kensiu and Jahai tribes would come together each year to give thanks for their harvest, even if it meant having to travel across the state.

# data[].attributes.headline
News article: Celebration of indigenous cultures draws thousands

# data[].attributes.subject
News article: Celebration of indigenous cultures draws thousands

# data[].attributes.body
Key points from the article:

1. Selangor Culture. Tourism, Malay Customs and Heritage committee chairman  Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari said "The main objective of this event is to appreciate the culture heritage of the indigenous tribe here, as is the practise all over the world".

2. Menteri Besar Selangor Amirudin Shahri highlighted that Orang Asli is an important part of this nation and that it is imperative that we engage with them so that we can get rid of the thinking that they are just people that keep to themselves in the jungle.

3. Illustrated children's book Nenek Dengan Yeok Luat written by  23 year old Semai, Bah Saluji Yeok So Alu was launched by the Raja Muda.

4. Foreign tourists and locals spent time learning about traditional houses and foods cooked using a traditional methods of the Semai, Mah Meri, Temuan and the Jakun tribes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Celebration of indigenous cultures draws thousands

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ABOUT 10,000 visitors joined in the celebration of the unique cultures of indigenous tribes at the National Botanical Garden Shah Alam. The Selangor International Indigenous Arts Festival 2018, now in its fourth year, showcased various cultural aspects from indigenous peoples in peninsular Malaysia as well as other Asian countries such as Iran, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos and the Philippines.

# data[].attributes.body
Image:
‌John. (2011, January 30). SAMBUTAN JIS PAI. Blogspot.com. http://ronjohnphotography.blogspot.com/2011/01/sambutan-jis-pai.html

Semai Community. (2014, September 11). [Facebook page]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/Semai-Community-271591409705244/

Semai in Malaysia. (n.d.). Joshuaproject.net. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14837/MY

‌

Article:
FOO, N. (2018, August 13). Celebration of indigenous cultures draws thousands. The Star Online. https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/08/14/celebration-of-indigenous-cultures-draws-thousands-fourth-edition-of-festival-also-sees-launch-of-ch

The Star Online. (2010, January 27). Harvest celebration. The Star Online. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2010/01/27/harvest-celebration

Blog/website:
‌John. (2011, January 30). SAMBUTAN JIS PAI. Blogspot.com. http://ronjohnphotography.blogspot.com/2011/01/sambutan-jis-pai.html

Perak’s melting pot of cultures a draw. (2012, April 4). Visit Perak. https://visitperak.com.my/peraks-melting-pot-of-cultures-a-draw/

Video:
Earun Sam Channel. (2019, August 11). Perayaan Hari Orang Asal Kg Kelinsing 2019. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq21zgEpUdE&ab_channel=EARUNSAMCHANNEL

# data[].attributes.body
A traditional festival celebrated in April by the Melanau community that lives in the coastal area of Sarawak. It used to be a religious ceremony to appease the spirit namely, the spirit of the land, the spirit of the sea, the spirit of the farm, and the spirit of the forest. The festival is done as a ritual of purification, as a thanksgiving as well as for propitiation for good fortune.

Highlights of the festival:

1. Serahang (decorated flat round basket made from sago leaf which raise on a bamboo pole).

2. Tibau (playing with a giant swing).

3. Keman Baw Bateng (enjoying Melanau traditional food served on the log).

# data[].attributes.body
This video shows the activities held during the Mukah Kaul Festival.

# data[].attributes.headline
News article: Pesta Kaul symbolises Melanau unity and identity

# data[].attributes.subject
News article: Pesta Kaul symbolises Melanau unity and identity

# data[].attributes.body
Key points from the article:

1. Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said that while there are differences between the sub-group within the Melanau community, the festival remains synonymous and should be known as the Melanau's celebration.

2. She admitted that although the festival might have slightly changed, the goal is still the same. It is to unite in the celebration and to show their roots.

# data[].attributes.body
Image:
Melanau Community. (2014, April 20). Sarawak Cultural Village. https://sarawakculturalvillage.wordpress.com/2014/04/21/melanau-community/

Melanau in Malaysia. (n.d.). Joshuaproject.net. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/13666/MY

Mukah Kaul Festival 2020. (2020, April 18). SarawakTourism. https://sarawaktourism.com/event/mukah-kaul-festival/

Article:
Pesta Kaul symbolises Melanau unity and identity — Fatimah. (2018, January 8). Borneo Post Online. https://www.theborneopost.com/2018/01/08/pesta-kaul-symbolises-melanau-unity-and-identity-fatimah/

Blog/website:
Mukah Kaul Festival 2020. (2020, April 18). SarawakTourism. https://sarawaktourism.com/event/mukah-kaul-festival/

Video:
SarawakKu. (2014, July 8). Mukah Kaul Festival 2014. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpKV47qRC3Q&ab_channel=SarawakKu

# data[].attributes.headline
News article: Orang Sungai cultural village

# data[].attributes.subject
News article: Orang Sungai cultural village

# data[].attributes.body
Key points from the article:

1. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman stated that a cultural village for the Orang Sungai will be built so that it would become a reference for the ethnic group and the younger generations to come as well as the tourist that come to Sukau to appreciate its natural biodiversity.

2. It also highlights the title that Datuk Seri Musa received at the festival which is "Tagajoh Goyoh" meaning "Supreme Leader".

3. He also said that in order to introduce and promote a diverse ethnic group in Sabah, it is relevant to organize ethnic-based festivals since this diversity is the strength of unity among the multiracial people in Sabah who live harmoniously and peacefully.

4. He proceed to give an example of how other festivities like Harvest Festival and Pesta Gambus, among others, could also attract tourists and benefit the State tourism and economic growth in the state.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Orang Sungai cultural village

Published on: Sunday, October 16, 2016

SUKAU: A cultural village for the "Orang Sungai" will be built at a site here that has been approved by the State Government.Disclosing this, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said such a cultural village would become a reference for the ethnic group and its young and next generations as well as tourists who come to visit Sukau and appreciate its natural biodiversity."I have also asked the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry to include 'Pesta Damas' in Sabah tourism's calendar which is in line with the organiser's effort to introduce the ethnic group to those who may not have not much knowledge about 'Orang Sungai'," he said, when opening Pesta Damas 2016 organised by Persatuan Bangsa Sungai Sabah (Sabas) together with Kinabatangan District Office at the Tamu Square of Sukau New Township, Saturday.Musa was honoured with the title "Tagajoh Goyoh" meaning "Supreme Leader" at the event which is the highest title given to selected leaders based on his contribution and deeds to the nation, state, religion and race in Sabah.

Also present were Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, Youth and Sport Assistant Minister cum Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah, Sukau Assemblyman Datuk Saddi Abdu Rahman, Sabas President Datuk Wahid Norbinsha, deputy president 1 cum organising chairman of Pesta Damas Datuk Juhari Janan, Kinabatangan District Officer Yassin Nasir and other senior officials.Musa said organising ethnic-based festivals in Sabah is relevant and appropriate in introducing and promoting the variety of diverse ethnic groups in the state."This diversity is the strength of unity among the multiracial people in Sabah who live in harmoniously and peacefully."The State Government together with the Federal Government always gave solid support and welcomed any community programme that fosters better ties and consolidates the unity spirit," he said.

For example, Musa said, Pesta Damas in Sukau and Pesta Ampalud De Padau organised by Persatuan Bangsa Tidung and Beluran district Office are a commendable effort to introduce the traditional cultures of the ethnic and sub-ethnic groups.He said other festivities like Harvest Festival and Pesta Gambus, among others, could also attract tourists and benefit the State tourism and economic growth in the state.Earlier, Musa officiated the Pesta Ampalud De Padau and Padau Race 2016 that displayed the cultural wealth of the Tidung at Beluran Square in Sandakan.Meanwhile, Wahid said the word "Damas" has a high sentimental value for the Orang Sungai as it means boat or vessel that was used as its main transportation in the river in the old days.

He said the Pesta Damas was held for the second time to continue the uniqueness and spirit of the festivity based on its location at the river bank.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Orang Sungai cultural village | Daily Express Online - Sabah's Leading News Portal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Orang Sungai cultural village Published on: Sunday, October 16, 2016 SUKAU: A cultural village for the "Orang Sungai" will be built at a site here that has been approved by the State Government.Disclosing this, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said such a cultural village would become a reference for

# data[].attributes.headline
News article: Damas Festival Showcases River People Culture In Sabah

# data[].attributes.subject
News article: Damas Festival Showcases River People Culture In Sabah

# data[].attributes.body
Key points from the article:

1. Saba's Deputy President Datuk Juhari Janan stated that the success of organizing the first edition of the festival last year has enabled the Damas Festival to be included in the Sabah tourism calendar.

2. This year's event will feature more cultural and traditional events to unearth and preserve the socio -cultural practices of the Sungai tribe.

3. Juhari also said other events that will be organized at the festival include dance competitions, cooking traditional food of the Sungai people, traditional sports, and handicraft exhibitions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
KINABATANGAN - Penganjuran Pesta Damas menjadi landasan utama kepada Persatuan Bangsa Sungai Sabah (Sabas) menampilkan kebudayaan dan tradisional suku kaum Sungai di negeri ini.

Timbalan Presiden Sabas Datuk Juhari Janan berkata penganjuran tahun kedua pesta itu akan diadakan pada 18 dan 19 September di Kampung Sukau yang dijangka dirasmikan oleh Menteri Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Katanya kejayaan penganjuran edisi pertama pesta itu pada tahun lepas membolehkan ia dimasukkan dalam kalendar pelancongan negeri Sabah.

Penganjuran pada tahun ini akan menampilkan lebih banyak acara kebudayaan dan tradisional bagi mencungkil dan melestarikan amalan sosiobudaya suku kaum Sungai, katanya pada sidang media sebelum mempengerusikan mesyuarat persatuan itu di sini, hari ini.

Menurutnya acara utama pesta itu adalah pertandingan perlumbaan perahu Damas dan menghias perahu Damas.

Katanya Damas merupakan panggilan bahasa Sungai untuk perahu tradisional yang dahulunya pernah menjadi pengangkutan kaum itu khususnya di daerah ini.

Beliau berkata masyarakat bangsa Sungai terdiri daripada 32 subetnik dan populasinya telah menjangkau 270,000 orang di negeri ini.

Juhari berkata acara lain yang akan dianjurkan pada pesta itu antaranya pertandingan tarian, tagunggu, memasak makanan tradisi bangsa Sungai, sukan tradisi dan pameran kraftangan.

Menurutnya demonstrasi membuat perahu Damas turut ditampilkan pada tahun ini bagi membolehkan orang ramai terutama generasi muda bangsa Sungai dan pelancong melihat proses membuat perahu Damas.

BERNAMA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pesta Damas Tampil Kebudayaan Bangsa Sungai Di Sabah

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KINABATANGAN - Penganjuran Pesta Damas menjadi landasan utama kepada Persatuan Bangsa Sungai Sabah (Sabas) menampilkan kebudayaan dan tradisional suku kaum Sungai di negeri ini. Timbalan Presiden Sabas Datuk Juhari Janan berkata penganjuran tahun kedua pesta itu akan diadakan pada 18 dan 19 Septemb

# data[].attributes.body
Image:
Galeri Pesta Damas 2015. (2017, November 17). Persatuan Bangsa Sungai Sabah. https://sabasofficial.wordpress.com/2017/11/17/galeri-pesta-damas-2015/

Google. (n.d.). [Kinabatangan River]. Retrieved April 21,2021, from https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kinabatangan+River/@5.3599915,117.7219738,9z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x323f39b5a542391b:0x8c36245e044f7088!8m2!3d5.5983489!4d118.1706052!5m1!1e4?hl=en

Narwinie. (2016). Orang Sungai. Blogspot.com. http://winnwonderfultourism.blogspot.com/p/pengenalan-sungai-adalah-antara-suku.html

‌Usaha Holistik Perlu Promosi Pesta Damas Di Sukau. (2019, October 5). Sabah Post. https://www.sabahpost.net/2019/10/05/usaha-holistik-perlu-promosi-pesta-damas-di-sukau/

Article:
Nor Masrin. (2016, July 19). Pesta Damas Tampil Kebudayaan Bangsa Sungai Di Sabah. Klxpress.com.my. https://klxpress.com.my/sabah/16556-pesta-damas-tampil-kebudayaan-bangsa-sungai-di-sabah.html

Noorasvilla, Muhammad. Pesta Damas 2019 pada 4-6 Oktober. (2019, October 2). Pressreader.com; PressReader. https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/utusan-borneo-sabah/20191002/282973926770510

Orang Sungai cultural village. (2016, October 16). Dailyexpress. http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=113430

Blog/website:
Orang Sungai. (n.d.). Wikiwand. https://www.wikiwand.com/ms/Orang_Sungai

Video:
‌Atiqa Wahid. (2019, August 8). Pertandingan Perahu Damas Berhias Pesta Damas 2019 Sukau, Kinabatangan. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vub87jnhzdU&ab_channel=AtiqaWahid

# data[].attributes.body
1. Melanau Community

Brief description

Settlement location

Mukah Kaul

Celebration video

News article

References

2. Semai Community

Brief description

Settlement location

Jis Pai Festival

Celebration video

News article

References

3. Mah Meri Community

Brief description

Settlement location

Puja Pantai Thanksgiving

Celebration video

News article

References

4. River People Community

Brief description

Settlement location

Damas Festival

Celebration video

News article

References

5. Lun Bawang Community

Brief description

Settlement location

Irau Aco Festival

Celebration video

News article

References

6. Reflection
7. References

# data[].attributes.body
Image:
Mah Meri in Malaysia. (n.d.). Joshuaproject.net. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/13213/MY

Puja pantai ritual. (2019, February 10). Pressreader.com. https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/new-straits-times/20190210/282303911389754

Smith, J. R. (n.d.). Mah Meri people. Dreamstime. https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-mah-meri-people-image26887538

Article:
MAGANATHAN, K. D. (2020, January 11). Join Malaysia’s Mah Meri tribe in the Puja Pantai thanksgiving ceremony. The Star Online. https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/culture/2020/01/11/join-malaysia039s-mah-meri-tribe-in-an-ancient-ritual-at-the-puja-pantai-festival

Blog/website:
Book describes life and culture of the Mah Meri Tribe. (2017, October 24). Malaysia-Insights.com. https://www.malaysia-insights.com/life-and-culture-of-the-mah-meri-tribe/#:~:text=The%20Mah%20Meri%20people%20who,about%20three%20hundred%20years%20ago.

Hari Moyang, Puja Pantai Festival 2020. (2020). Lokalocal.com. https://www.lokalocal.com/tour/4219/hari-moyang-puja-pantai-festival-2020#:~:text=Celebrate%20the%20ancient%20ritual%20of,and%20honor%20the%20protector%20spirits.

Mah Meri people. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah_Meri_people#Language

Nazir Sufari. (2018, February 21). Mah Meri - Hari Moyang, Puja Pantai. Themalaysianinsight.com; The Malaysian Insight. https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/g/38955

Video:
Walkabout Asia. (2019, July 9). Hari Moyang of Mah Meri Tribe (Puja Pantai). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5FTas5O0ZY&ab_channel=WalkaboutAsia