SARAWAK NATIVES COMMUNITY

The biggest tribe in Sarawak is the Iban tribe who can be found in every part of the state. They are mostly farmers, and many of them still plant paddy on hillslopes in rural areas.

Visits

Visiting relatives and friends is customary and is encouraged. On arriving at the house normal guest must ask the occupants inside “Is our home ready?” (Translates to whether there are any restrictions to our visit?). The answer given would be “Jadi niki meh!” which means “Please, come in!.”

Guests will be taken to “ruai” or the living room of the host, and may then place what they have brought with them at an appropriate place. They will be invited to sit and offered betel leaves and cigarettes. Guests will also be asked whether they have eaten or not and invited to dine together. Ibans do not have fixed times or dates for visiting.