Pustaka Miri calling for more writers on Sarawak’s cultures, traditions

MIRI: Pustaka Negeri Sarawak (Pustaka) Miri is keen to collaborate with more writers to write and publish books on cultures and traditions in the state.

Its public relations officer, Suria Sonia Ahip Abdullah, said there were still numerous cultures and traditions in Sarawak that needed to be written on and documented for reference and inclusion in the Sarawakiana Publications.

“So far in northern Sarawak covering Bintulu, Miri and Limbang divisions, we have only 30 titles under the Sarawakiana Publications. Thus, there are ample topics that could be written on Sarawak.

“Among the objectives of all these publications is to preserve the unique cultures and heritage of Sarawak’s multiethnic people, as reference especially for researchers and those interested in Sarawak and its people,” said Suria yesterday when asked to elaborate on the Sarawakiana Series collections.

Those wishing to collaborate with Pustaka to produce such publication or wishing to buy these publications can contact Ahmad Samsudin of Pustaka Miri at 085- 422525 during office hours.

Meanwhile, Suria in a statement said the library has released various Sarawakiana publications produced by local authors and researchers.

“Sarawakiana Series collections are culturally themed about Sarawak and were produced both in book and CD format. Among the latest publications are ‘Jatti Miriek Traditional Culture’ and ‘ Sape the Community Binder’ – both authored by Dr Yakup Mohd Rafee from Unimas and there are over 100 copies each,” she added.

Pustaka had also produced two CDs titled ‘ Development Since Independence’ and ‘ Malay Culture of Sarawak’. All the publications and CDs are copyright-owned by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak and are available for sale. For further details, contact the nearest library under Pustaka; namely in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.