Nanta launches book to promote, popularise ‘Ijuk’
KAPIT: Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi recently launched the book titled ‘ Siri Tumbuhan Nadir IJUK’ written by Philip Beginda here.
Nanta congratulated and praised Philip for writing the book on ‘ Ijuk, a type of palm commonly found in Song.
“I believe this type of effort could be very useful, especially for those who are not familiar with plants that we have in Sarawak.
“I hope he will do more on other natural resources that we have – for example, the usefulness of rattan and its commercial value - besides the hundreds and thousands of plants in the forests that can become sources of food.
“Resources like this when written into book become a source of information to those who live in the urban areas, especially the younger generation,” he said.
“I hope the book will motivate others especially teachers to write books or documentations on the rich resources that we have,” he added.
An educationist from Sungai Katibas, Philip is the senior assistant at SMK Kapit No. 2.
He said the idea of writing the book came about because he wanted people outside Song to know about ‘ Ijuk, a type of palm that has several usages but the best known is the ‘Air Ijuk’ drawn from the latex of the palm that is made into a tonic but excessive intake of it could cause intoxication.
He hopes through the book, he can promote ‘Air Ijuk’ as an indigenous consumable jungle produce and more people, especially scientists, will carry more research on this palm.
“Air Ijuk is a source of income for the rural communities. So I hope to popularise the planting of Ijuk to commercialise it for markets beyond Song Bazaar,” he said.
‘ Ijuk’ is a palm t ree that flourishes along the sandy loamy soil along the river banks of Song district, especially along Sungai Katibas.
Among those who attended the ceremony was Tapah Ata, political secretary to the chief minister.