It all started with a discussion over how paranoid those from the peninsular are over Sarawak. Questions over our immigration, lifestyle, location, how Sarawak has progressed and many more, seem to always pop up when the talk is about Sarawak. Some have in fact said that Sarawak is an exotic place, unknown to Peninsular Malaysians.
While most Sarawakians believe Peninsular Malaysians have grown up to know their geography better, many Peninsular Malaysians still, from time to time, fail to understand Sarawak, and hence the huge discussion by Bernard, Zhen, Brian, Fahriee, Rodz, PK, Norman and myself at Backstage, Kuching. The talk was amazing, and the laughter filled Backstage till the wee hours.
Well, here’s the facts and perceptions I came to conclude which I think every Peninsular Malaysian or outsiders have to know before coming over.
#01 Kuching and Kota Kinabalu (KK) is 800.6 km (487.5 miles) away, so can we have the typical “Can you pick my friend at KK coz you’re in Kuching?” over now.
#02 We don’t head hunt anymore. We let the professional do it.
#03 Sarawak is well developed across it’s land. Go to any city, and you will notice how every city is equally big and modern. The towns are not as bad as well.
#04 We don’t live on trees anymore, but we do have a hotel called the ‘Tree House’, which is on a tree and cost over RM300 a night for you to rent out.
#05 We like the 3-months limit imposed to non-Sarawakians coming to Sarawak. =P
#06 KK is not in Sarawak, and Kuching is not in Sabah.
#07 Sarawak is part of Malaysia. We formed Malaysia. Without Sarawak, there would be no Malaysia. As a matter of fact, we were invited to join Malaysia. We didn’t ask to join Malaysia.
#08 If you call the national football team ‘Harimau Melaya’, then it’s not our national team.
#09 We have no idea what is so special about Kuching/Miri/Sibu/Bintulu, but we know it’s home, and we love it for just that.
#10 The 15 minutes golden rule applies to almost every destination in Kuching. “Yep, I’ll be there in 15 minutes” the saying goes.
#11 If you are VERY concerned about halal certs and shops only catering for Muslims, then be prepared NOT to enjoy the best of Sarawak food, because we have A LOT of non-Muslim and Muslim stalls side by side. Even better, maybe don’t come because you might end up eating at McDonald’s or KFC only.
#12 We love our brothers and sisters regardless of religion because they respect each other. They don’t tolerate each other. There’s a difference you know.
#13 Sarawak is the 4th most populated state in Malaysia (according to 2010 census), but we are the least dense per area.
#14 We have over 28 ethnic groups, and that does not count the inter-marriages which makes a new breed of many captivating beautiful people.
#15 Yes, we do use RM in out transactions, but if you want to pay in USD, you’re most welcomed. Just don’t expect a refund.
I’m not saying all Peninsular Malaysian’s are ignorant, but sometimes, you just need to point out the facts. Sarawak is awesome!
It always baffled me how they can confuse Sabah with Sarawak, even when they’re right in Kuching talking to you. Bukan sekali gik ya, a few times. If I confuse Kelantan dengan Kedah, boleh terima sik? Sama start dari K bah. Or Perlis dengan Perak kah. Will they be ok with it?
hahahah.. I know right?
Yes, Sarawak is AWESOME !! Could not have said it better myself.
I know bro.. you are a true blue Sarawakian!
so true…!!!!gonna share this link if u dun mind.:)
Go ahead. Knock yourself out =)
Hahahaha! I can only laugh!
hehehe… why are you laughing again? hehehe
aduh…isu tok gik ka..ada win-win situation sik benda tok? hehe
Yang penting jangan polah nuclear plant di sarawak udah. out off topic la pulak 😛
hahah.. betol.. betol..
this is what i want them to know for so long! sarawak has her own identity and none like others! 😀
=) I bet all Sarawakians want them to know these little facts.
I love your list! it is so true!
#4 reminds me something my teacher shared with my class. if they ask whether we Sarawakians still live on trees, give them a resounding and confident “YES!”.
but add this kicker – our tree houses are interconnected by escalators & we go up and down using lifts!
LOL.. yeah bro. Sarcasm is always high when people ask silly questions like what you have said.
[…] This elections, we see a lot of people from the west of Malaysia coming down. They talk as though they know Sarawak like the back of their hand, but wait, isn’t these the same people who also said Sarawakians are those people using loincloth? Aren’t they the same people saying Sarawakians live on trees? […]
I was asked before, Kuching got airport? how long it takes you by sea to kl? I was young then and i answered ” You look down on Sarawak? you not happy with us? you wanna fight to prove it?” of course the guy backed down and never said anything about us again..
My friend kena asked abt 14 years ago, “Kuching got telephone?” he answered “No, but got internet”
That was a very good reply by your friend! I LOLed when I read it! Awesome!