MELANAU MUKAH LONGHOUSE
The Melanau people make up 5.8% of Sarawak 's population, mostly living in the central coastal region. The Malanaus used to live close to sea and as a result were exposed to many pirate attacks, hence they built sturdy houses some 40ft above ground. Sago is the staple diet of these people, unlike other natives who lived on rice. Originally grown wild, the sago palm was later cultivated by the Melanaus. The process of making sago flour can be seen at the Melanau tallhouse at the cultural centre. Visitors may also savour some of the sago delights that are produced there.
Although most Melanaus are now Muslims or Christians, their forefathers' religion was Liko, which means 'people of the river'. The religion advocated that life and environment are one and believed in the spritual world. The Melanaus used effigies of sickness spirits in healing processes called berbavoh and beravun.
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