Hon signing books during the launch of The Penan of Sarawak. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Former deputy minister chronicles changes in Sarawak ethnic group’s lifestyle over 14 years
IN THE remote corners of Sarawak, the Penan community has long held a unique place in the heart of former deputy education minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim.
During his visits over the course of more than a decade, he witnessed the dramatic transformation in their way of life.
Hon has encapsulated his experiences and observations in his latest book, The Penan of Sarawak.
The book was launched during the Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2024 (KLPF 2024).
Hon’s journey with the Penan people began in 2010 when he first visited the secluded village of Long Seridan in Miri.
“At the beginning, they were very isolated, with no water supply, no electricity and no means of transportation except for the logging company’s vehicles,” Hon recalled.
Over the past 14 years, he has made 21 trips to the village, documenting the evolution of this small community of around 20 families.
Despite the brevity of each visit, lasting no more than three nights due to limited water resources, Hon has established a deep connection with the Penan people.
“They are very friendly, unlike other larger tribes.
“Their small community makes it special, and that’s why I keep going back,” he said.
His continuous visits have allowed him to observe significant changes.
What was once a community cut off from modern amenities now has solar panels, motorcycles and improved road access.
(From left) Nilam Publication director Tee Chee Chong, Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival founder Kim Teoh, and Hon during the launch of his new book.
“I have seen more changes, more development.
“Transportation has improved, and they now have motorbikes –something that was unimaginable when I first visited,” he said.
However, these advancements have come with challenges.
The logging activities in the region have drastically altered the Penan’s traditional way of life.
“They can no longer rely on the forest for their livelihood.
“Hunting is now rare, and even the sago trees they used to depend on are hard to find,” Hon noted.
As a result, the community has had to adapt, turning to padi planting as a new source of sustenance.
The Penan of Sarawak has 120 pages and includes over 100 photographs that vividly capture the community’s evolution.
Divided into five chapters, the book is written in English to tell the Penan story to a wider audience.
The book captures more than the physical and cultural shifts within the Penan community.
It also reflects on the passing of the old generation and the modernisation of the younger ones.
Hon expressed a keen interest in continuing to document these changes, with plans to report on the community’s progress in the coming years.
The book is a culmination of the nearly 15 years’ of engagement, and the author hopes it will bring greater awareness of the Penan people, a group that many Malaysians seem to be unfamiliar with.
“When I first got in touch with them, I didn’t even know who the Penans were.
“But they were very welcoming, even though we didn’t speak the same language,” said Hon.
The Penan of Sarawak is now available in bookstores at RM119 per copy.
