Yap points out that the beer is produced in Sibu and has no direct link to Santubong. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Sept 19): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has described the use of ‘Santubong’ as a brand name for a locally brewed beer as misguided, saying it has no link to the constituency and risks offending its largely Muslim population.
He pointed out that the beer is produced in Sibu and has no direct link to Santubong.
“If the brewer truly wanted to honour local heritage, it would have been far more appropriate to use a name closer to their home base in Sibu, where the beer is actually made,” he said in a statement today.
Yap defended Santubong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri for raising the issue, saying she was reflecting genuine concerns of her constituents.
“Respecting those concerns is not weakness, nor is it hypersensitivity. It is Sarawakian maturity — the ability to resolve issues before they divide us,” he said.
According to Yap, Sarawak has long promoted local cultural products such as tuak, a traditional Iban rice wine, as part of its heritage, but always in ways that avoid offending any community.
He also criticised DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen for attacking Nancy, arguing that such remarks undermined unity.
“By criticising the concerns of the Santubong community and comparing YB Nancy to a West Malaysian politician, YB Chong is not defending Sarawak’s identity — he is undermining it.
“His statement suggests that the commercial interests of a beer company are more important than the sensitivities of a community,” said Yap.
He urged Chong to stop fanning unnecessary tension, stressing that true tolerance lies in understanding and mutual respect.
“Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders have always taken a balanced approach—upholding development, promoting Sarawak’s identity, while respecting the beliefs of all our people.
“Sarawak tuak, for example, is proudly promoted as part of our heritage, but it is never marketed in a way that disrespects or provokes any community,” said Yap.