Language & Culture
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Bahasa Sarawak, or 'Sarawak Langauge' is a common language used by most Sarawakians. This variant is related to Bruneian Malay, spoken in the districts of Limbang & Lawas Sarawak & Pontianak Malay, which is spoken in the neighbouring West Kalimantan province in Indonesia. It is more similar to Ibanic languages compared to Malay variants in Sumatra and the Malayan Peninsula, which makes it mutually unintelligible for Malay speakers outside of Sarawak and Borneo.
English can be widely spoken and understood amongst locals. According to the 20 points agreement, in point 2 - Malay is the national language, and English should be an official language of Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) for all purposes, State or Federal, without limitation of time.
Mandarin and major chinese dialects are also widely used, well understood and conversational by many who grew up in mixed cultures.
One of the most attractive features of the state of Sarawak and one which sets it aside from many of the other states is its cultural diversity. With the 27 distinct indigenous ethnic groups that speak 45 different languages and dialects, Sarawak has complete harmony and understanding among a population of 2.1 million who adhere to a variety of traditions, practices and religions. In Miri alone one can see the diverse cultures and traditions. Sarawak is a secular state.
With such varied customs and cultures, Mirians enjoy a variety of colorful festivals throughout the calendar year.
"Open House Culture"
Sarawak's many ethnic groups all celebrate their festivals with "open house", offering visitors traditional hospitality. The major "open house" festivals are Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali, and of course, Gawai Dayak, the Iban ad Bidayuh Harvest Festival that is only celebrated in Sarawak & Sabah.
During Gawai Dayak, which falls on June 1st, some long houses are open to visits. Please call the Visitor's Information Center for more information: Call : 434181 or 434180
To picture Miri when the township came to know oil, we have to project ourselves into a very different past. When the original Shell men arrived, it consisted of 20 scattered houses and a few shops. These included a bazaar, a gambling farm, a pawn shop and an Arab shop. The trade of Miri consisted chiefly of jelutong, brassware, belachan and budu.
Literally, Sungai Tujoh is translated as the Seventh River or Seventh Stream spelled in the form of Bruneian Malay language. An immigration post was built in the 1960s to control the movement of goods and people between Miri and points west in Sarawak with Brunei, at this "7th river".
Painted with nothing more than spray paints and artistic skill, the Miri Balloon mural is an urban wall mural art painted on a blank wall in front of the High Street roundabout near the entrance to Time Square.
Soon Hup Shopping Complex is a shopping complex located in the city center. Mega Hotel is next door. The third fully air conditioned shopping complex in Miri.