Iban folklore reimagined in comic showcases Sarawak’s heritage

MIRI (Feb 28): Sarawak’s rich folklore continues to captivate audiences globally when brought to life through modern creative mediums, said State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting.

Speaking at the exhibition A Comic Installation of an Iban Folk Story: Apai Alui Becomes a Shaman, Ting praised the project as a striking example of how traditional narratives can be revitalised through contemporary visual storytelling.

“At the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, we often discuss the Orange Economy — the creative economy.

“For this economy to thrive, we need practitioners like Britto Augustus who are willing to undertake practice-based research,” Ting said during the closing of Britto’s Master’s research project at Curtin University, hosted at the Miri City Council (MCC) public library in Myy Mall, Lutong here.

“By exhibiting his work in a public space and collecting audience data, he is proving that our traditional stories are not merely relics of the past; they are functional, engaging and commercially viable assets for the future,” he added.

Ting highlighted how the Indian artist’s interpretation of Iban folklore not only offers fresh perspectives but also underscores the global appeal of Sarawak’s cultural heritage.

Terry Justin Dit, interim head of the Department of Media and Communication at Curtin University, said the comic has tremendous potential to represent the region.

He suggested producing multiple copies as promotional products to showcase Sarawak’s creative talent and storytelling tradition to visitors and the wider public.