Sarawak Book Fair 2025: Honouring Culture, Knowledge & Readers

Seven inspiring new books were launched yesterday (Sept 30) at the Karnival Baca Perdana & Sarawak Book Fair 2025, officiated by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

From heritage and history to poetry and storytelling, these titles reflect Sarawak’s rich cultural identity and creativity:

📖 Penghormatan Terakhir by Sharina Ahmad Sharkawi – practical guidance on funerals, inspired by the late Datuk Jorji Suhaili’s six decades of service as Sarawak’s Grand Imam.
📖 Pemulai ke Nanga Jela by Dr Christine Padoch – documenting the Iban community displaced by the Batang Ai Dam, preserving their cultural memory.
📖 Rhyme and Reflection in the Rainforest by James S. L. Yong – poetry and essays celebrating Sarawak’s traditions and landscapes.
📖 Rosli Dhobi by Fiezawati Kaderi – retelling the bravery of a young nationalist who stood against colonial rule.
📖 Misi Lia dan Lila by Fatin Aisyah Faizul Azhar – a magical children’s tale of friendship and discovery.
📖 Proceedings of Action Research Vol. 9 – showcasing classroom research from SMK Pending, Kuching.
📖 Etnik Bidayuh dan Bale Gambang-Baruk by Dr Charlie Ungang & Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi – an academic study of the Baruk institution and cultural change.

🏆 The fair also celebrated passionate readers with the Active Reader Recognition Awards 2024, honouring seniors, youth, children, and individuals with disabilities.

🎤 The day wrapped up with the Choral Speaking Competition – “Unity in Diversity”, where SMK Tun Abang Haji Openg emerged champion, winning RM2,000!

🌟 Events like this remind us of the power of books to preserve culture, spark creativity, and bring communities together.

📷Sarawak Tribune