Ambuyat: A Taste Of Borneo At Madani Rakyat Programme

KUANTAN, July 5 (Bernama) -- The uniqueness of ambuyat or linut, served by women dressed in Iban costume, has drawn visitors to the National Unity Ministry’s booth on the first day of the Eastern Zone MADANI Rakyat 2024 programme at Dataran Sayangi Kuantan here today.

Individuals of various ages were seen as more eager to try the popular Borneo dish, which can be eaten on its own or with latok (seaweed), compared to the traditional cakes of other ethnic groups that were also on display.

Insurance consultant Aishah Mazlan, 29, said the event not only provided an opportunity for people from the peninsula to taste the traditional dish but also helped them get to know the Borneo community better.

“Honestly, when I saw a vendor selling ambuyat, I was never interested in buying it because I didn't know what it tasted like. However, with this kind of exhibition, I was excited to find out how it tasted, and it turned out to be very delicious.

“When eaten with latok, the combination of both has a chewy, sweet and salty taste, which is quite interesting,” she told Bernama here today.

Besides Ambuyat, the traditional menu of the Orang Asli community, which is nasi impit with special sambal such as serunding, gulab jamun (Indian dessert), mooncakes and kuih bakul (Chinese cakes) are also available at the booth.

Visitors not only savoured the food but also enjoyed dressing in traditional costume of various races, creating a lively atmosphere.

According to the National Unity Ministry Corporate Affairs Section head Nor Suzamah Abdul Rahman, the ministry is showcasing the uniqueness of Malaysia’s multiracial society and its wide variety of food during the three-day MADANI Rakyat programme.

“We are highlighting this uniqueness through traditional cakes, games and the opportunity for people to dress in the attire of various races to get to know each other better.

“We understand that some people have never visited Sabah and Sarawak, so we are introducing them to visitors from these regions,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to launch the Eastern Zone MADANI Rakyat programme tomorrow.