27/10/2025

MONDAY | OCT 27, 2025

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Malacca sets new onde-onde producing record MALACCA: Malacca has set a new record by producing 50,000 pieces of onde-onde , showcasing the uniqueness of the traditional kuih that is synonymous with the state’s heritage and culture. The feat, to be listed in the Malaysia Book of Records , was achieved in conjunction with the Straits of Malacca Art and Culture Festival and the Malacca River Festival, held at Dataran Pengkalan Rama on Saturday. State Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman said the large-scale production of the traditional kuih , also known as Buah Melaka , was part of efforts to promote the state’s heritage dishes among the younger generation and tourists. “This effort is not just about setting a record, but about reintroducing this traditional kuih , which has a delicious taste and unique aroma, made from glutinous rice flour, grated coconut and palm sugar. “This is the uniqueness we want to highlight as a cultural-based tourism state,” he said at the event. Also present were Malacca Tourism Promotion Division general manager Nasrul Ahmad and Malacca River and Coastal Development Corporation CEO Shaharul Azuar Idris. Abdul Razak said the event, which began at 9am, involved about 500 participants comprising local residents, the State Legislative Assembly Development and Coordination Committee, state government agencies, chef associations and students from higher learning institutions who worked together to prepare the kuih . He said the onde-onde made during the event would be distributed to the public, including tourists in the area, “so everyone could share in the celebration”. He added that the three-day festival, which began on Friday, features a wide range of activities, with more than 30 events, including “Busana By The River”, which encourages participants to wear traditional attire by the Malacca River to enjoy a 30% discount on the Malacca River Cruise.

Iban craftsman keeping parang ilang tradition alive

KUCHING: The traditional handicrafts of the Iban community, particularly the handmade parang ilang (traditional machete) crafted by Sibu artisan Johnny Berangan, continue to captivate both tourists and local craft enthusiasts, becoming a sought-after souvenir. Berangan, 57, from Rumah Jackson, Batu 16 Jalan Oyang in Sibu, said the parang ilang is more than a traditional weapon, it is a symbol of courage, dignity and identity of the Iban people. Each intricately crafted blade tells its own story, making it a meaningful and cherished gift. Having inherited the skill from his father in 1992, Berangan has honed his craft as a blacksmith for more than 30 years and knows exactly which type or pattern of parang is best suited for each occasion or special request. “The parang ilang is often custom-made for various occasions, including retirement gifts, official souvenirs, home decor and wedding gifts, making it a treasured keepsake

o Sibu master blacksmith’s handmade blades draw global admiration as symbols of courage, dignity and identity of the community

heritage and the pride of the Iban community. “As long as I can, I will continue to make parang ilang . It’s not just a job, it’s in my soul,” he said. He hopes this traditional craft would continue to thrive and gain greater recognition, especially through social media platforms such as Facebook (Bengkel Parang Ilang), local markets and exhibitions organised by various agencies. A check by Bernama found that Berangan’s parang stall at the Sarawak Borneo Craft Festival was among the most popular, drawing both local and international visitors impressed by his exceptional craftsmanship. The festival runs from Oct 24 to Nov 2 in conjunction with the Sarawak Regatta–Kuching Waterfront Festival. Themed “This is Malaysian Craft”, the event brings together 111 entrepreneurs and craft communities from Sarawak and Sabah, showcasing a wide array of textile products, forest based goods, metalwork and other Borneo crafts.

from Sibu,” he told Bernama when met at the Sarawak Borneo Craft Festival at Tebingan Kuching on Saturday. “No two parang are the same. Each features intricate carvings and Iban motifs that symbolise strength, loyalty and the beauty of nature. It is not only a functional tool but also a conversation piece, making it perfect for home decor or as an exclusive gift,” he said. In addition to parang ilang , Berangan also crafts other types of blades, including the parang nyabur , swords and parang penebas , at his small workshop in Sibu. Depending on demand, he produces between 12 and 20 blades a month. His customer base has grown

beyond the Iban community to include people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. “The price of a parang varies depending on size and the intricacy of the carvings. Prices range from RM200 to RM400, while the most exclusive pieces can fetch up to RM15,000,” he said. Each blade takes about five to six days to complete, including work on the hilt, weaving and carving the sheath. However, Berangan faces challenges in sourcing raw materials such as wood and rattan for the sheaths due to deforestation linked to the expansion of commercial crops. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to forging the parang ilang as a symbol of his family

Berangan also crafts other types of blades, including the parang nyabur, swords and parang penebas, at his small workshop in Sibu. – BERNAMAPIC

Other highlights include a durian feast, fishing competition, the Saloma Market and a decorated boat parade at Telok Berembang in Lubok China. “The main event will be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, and I welcome the public to come and enliven the festival,” he added. – Bernama Taste of tropical paradise at Desaru Fruit Farm

KOTA TINGGI: Tucked away in the heart of Johor’s coastal countryside lies a paradise for fruit lovers, the 32ha Desaru Fruit Farm, where the air is sweet with the scent of ripening fruit and the landscape bursts with colour. From custard apples and breadfruit to cocoa and robusta coffee, hundreds of trees stand heavy with fruit, some ripe and ready for picking. For visitors, it is not just a feast for the senses but also a chance to get closer to nature and discover the diversity of Malaysian tropical bounty. The farm, which cultivates more

Among the visitors was Mohd Azad Azmi, 38, who said the tour gave him a new appreciation for Malaysia’s agricultural richness and the people who nurture it. “I was most fascinated by the fruits,” he said. “The guide explained each species clearly, and I learned how farmers care for the trees to produce quality harvests.” For those planning a visit, the entrance fee is RM40 for adults and RM35 for children – a small price for a day in Malaysia’s own tropical Eden. – Bernama

that don’t grow where they come from,” said Zaranah. “Some even tell us that fruits like jackfruit are much bigger in their countries.” Established more than three decades ago, the farm is also home to a mini zoo featuring 37 animal species, including goats, peacocks, camels, llamas and ducks. “The petting zoo is especially lively during school holidays,” said Zaranah. “Parents bring their children to feed the animals and learn about their habits and habitats. It is both fun and educational.”

“People often ask why not use latex from rubber trees. But rubber latex is toxic and hardens quickly, so it is not suitable for chewing gum,” she said. She added that ciku latex is edible and naturally sticky, the perfect base for gum-making, long before modern factories came along. Foreign visitors tend to be drawn to the more exotic finds, such as the monyet banana, a small wild banana variety, or the vibrant passion fruit, both of which are rarely seen in their home countries. “They are fascinated by local plants

than 100 species of tropical fruit trees, has long been a magnet for agro-tourism enthusiasts and families seeking a taste of fresh produce straight from the orchard. Tour guide Zaranah Yaakub delights in sharing stories about the many fruit varieties grown here and one that always intrigues visitors is the humble ciku, or sapodilla. “The sapodilla tree produces a white latex that is actually used to make chewing gum,” she explained to participants of the Majestic Johor Media Famtrip, held in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026.