Melanau, Sarawak

About Melanau

Melanau is one of the tribes in Sarawak. They are one of the major ethnic groups in the state and number close to 100,000. Many are Muslims and a small number are Christians. The Muslim Melanaus tend to identify themselves as Malay, thereby giving the impression that there are fewer Melanaus than the actual.

Traditionally, the Melanau lived along the tributaries of the Rajang River. Over time they moved to settle along the Rajang. They can be subdivided into six subgroups according to where they live, namely Mukah, Dalat, Oya, Matu-Daro-Rejang, Ba'ie (for Bintulu), Balingian and Miri. They are fishermen as well as padi and sago farmers. They traditionally lived in tall stilted longhouse, called the Melanau Tallhouse, but today the majority like in kampong houses similar to the Malays.

As mentioned, Melanaus today are mostly Muslims. They were originally animists, and a remnant of their pagan celebration is seen in their annual Kual Festival, which takes place in April. This is a festival originally held as thanksgiving to the spirit of the sea. It is held at river estuaries in March or April after the passing of the northwest monsoon. During the festival, an offering of sago pearls, sago biscuits and betel nut placed inside an elaborate palm leaf basket called serahang it made to the sea spirit.

Sago is the staple of the Melanau. It is used as flour, as well as sago pearls and in biscuits. Just as with the coconut palm, the Melanau make use of almost every part of the sago palm, to weave baskets, make brooms and so on.

Melanau Common Phrases

Here are some phrases in Melanau that may be helpful for you to break the ice when visiting Sarawak:



Good morning: Selamet suwap Good afternoon: Selamet abei Good night: Selamet malem What is your name? Sai nama ka'aw? My name is ...: Namo kou ...

Melanau longhouse (2 October 2004)


Entrance to the Melanau longhouse (2 October 2004)

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