By Karen Bong
MIRI, Nov 24: Sarawak’s very own Batik Linut, which sprouts from the small town of Mukah created using sticky sago starch, can be used as diplomatic gifts from Sarawak to foreign leaders, diplomats and distinguished guests.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was very proud of the Lamin Dana team in Tellian, Mukah for their perseverance, creativity and innovativeness to have come up with an exclusive Sarawak’s first textile product using “linut” or the sticky sago starch.
“Traditionally, when we talk about sago, we refer to the pearls. Sago, which is synonymous with the Melanaus, is also the mainstay of economic development in Mukah and the surrounding areas.
“There are a lot of by-products that can be produced from sago palm. I have asked researchers to look into the by-products from sago including paint, biomass, clean water from biomass as well as the possibility of producing cooking gas from sago waste.
“And I am very proud that today, Batik Linut has been added into the list of products we can develop with sago,” he said at the launching of Batik Linut Textiles under the Proudly Sarawak platform at a hotel here today.
Abang Johari urged the Lamin Dana team to continue innovating including by adopting technology in diversifying the designs and colours as well as going for mass production of the textile for the fashion industry to bring Batik Linut to the world.
“This is indeed an innovative product which can be mass produced to be exported and promoted through various State government agencies and offices in collaboration with other stakeholders in the sector.
“It will be an exclusive Sarawak product as it has been patented. In addition, it can become uniquely Sarawak souvenirs for our visitors and guests from overseas. At the same time, we can promote our Sarawak-made products,” he added.
Abang Johari also urged the Lamin Dana team to nurture more talents to grow the industry as talent development is one of the emphasis under the Sarawak Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS).
“I believe Batik Linut can be positioned in the global market, starting from Miri to Singapore and to the world.
“The future is bright for Sarawak as there are many talented people,” he emphasised.
Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting, Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Early Childhood Development Datuk Rosey Yunus and Lamin Dana managing director Diana Rose. — DayakDaily
