SERIAN: Where everyone knows each other by Rita Jong

Located about 65km away from Kuching, this busy little town Serian is also known as a 'passer-by' town. Those travelling from Kuching to places like Miri and Sibu, would definitely pass this 'cowboy' town.

With a population of more than 90,000, Serian itself is a parliamentary seat. Its incumbent Datuk Richard Riot Jaem has held on as MP for more than 20 years since he first won the seat in 1990.

Still, Serian has gone almost unnoticed by many. This small town, which predominantly consists Bidayuhs, is famous for its jungle products. They have a variety of vegetables and fruits found in the jungle, which are rarely seen in Peninsula Malaysia.

Among the famous ones are midin, paku pakis and buah luak. The vegetables are mostly grown in the wild and the natives would pluck and sell them at the Serian market. The midin and paku pakis are usually fried with sambal belacan and they are sold at a cheap price of RM1 a bundle.

Even natural loofahs are found here. A huge piece can be bought at just RM2.

But what stands out in Serian is the community that lives there. Families raise their children here and although their children would eventually leave to find better job opportunities in Peninsula, they would always return during festive season.

The town would always be bustling with people and traffic would literally come to a stand still during annual Gawai (Harvest festival).

But come May 5, the town would also come alive with most of the voters taking the opportunity to come home. After all, this is the place where everybody knows your name.


Read more: SERIAN: Where everyone knows each other - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/serian-where-everyone-knows-each-other-1.258064#ixzz2RKW4knXT