Unimas delegation visits sole Melanau longhouse

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Visitors take a look around the longhouse compound.

SARIKEI: A delegation from the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Faculty of Science visited the state’s sole Melanau longhouse in Kampung Sok, Matu near here on Sunday.

The group comprised 77 students, two lecturers and four staff.

Village security and development committee members led by village chief Wailie Mohd Rajiee welcomed and entertained the visitors.

Wailie briefed them on the history of the longhouse, which originally comprised of just four units in 1872, but gradually expanded to 26 units by 1888.

Visitors also heard the folk tale connected with the local community known as ‘Misteri Tikar Emas’ (Golden Mat Mystery).

The longhouse structure still maintains 80 per cent of its original materials including 154 belian poles, flooring and other main structures.

There are changes though as the roofing and partitions, which were originally made of sago palm fronds, have been replaced with zinc and wood.

Visitors also took the opportunity to experience Melanau longhouse lifestyle with the five families still occupying it.

The longhouse has also recently received visitors from Majlis Perunding Mukim Telisai, Tutong District, Brunei and a group from Peninsular Malaysia.