How is it living in Sarawak? Do you live in trees and go to school by boat?”
I used to get these questions when I was younger. My usual response would be “Yeah! We travel from tree to tree by planes”.
I think a lot of people don’t know there is a small community of Indians living in Sarawak and Sabah. I moved to Miri, Sarawak when I was 4.
Although I had a diverse set of friends in school, I only met Indian friends at the one temple in Miri. And because there was only this one temple there, we can’t help but be a close-knit community.
The best part about being in Sarawak is how peaceful it really is. I was never treated differently even though I was usually the only Indian in my school. Sure, there were a few teasing back in primary school but I have never experienced racism, even in secondary school.
However, when I went to KL to study there, I noticed a huge difference which led to a minor culture shock, even when encountering people of my own race. There is such a difference in the way that Indian people are perceived here e.g. through the lens of poverty, dropouts and more. I felt out of place here, and even feel a bit like a ‘noob’. I was not really informed on what was the trendiest song to follow, what Tamil movie was the newest craze and all that jazz.
It was definitely a learning experience for me, and I would still suggest that Miri is a great place to live. I would say that it is a great place to move if you are a family, but, maybe not for singles!
I used to get these questions when I was younger. My usual response would be “Yeah! We travel from tree to tree by planes”.
I think a lot of people don’t know there is a small community of Indians living in Sarawak and Sabah. I moved to Miri, Sarawak when I was 4.
Although I had a diverse set of friends in school, I only met Indian friends at the one temple in Miri. And because there was only this one temple there, we can’t help but be a close-knit community.
The best part about being in Sarawak is how peaceful it really is. I was never treated differently even though I was usually the only Indian in my school. Sure, there were a few teasing back in primary school but I have never experienced racism, even in secondary school.
However, when I went to KL to study there, I noticed a huge difference which led to a minor culture shock, even when encountering people of my own race. There is such a difference in the way that Indian people are perceived here e.g. through the lens of poverty, dropouts and more. I felt out of place here, and even feel a bit like a ‘noob’. I was not really informed on what was the trendiest song to follow, what Tamil movie was the newest craze and all that jazz.
It was definitely a learning experience for me, and I would still suggest that Miri is a great place to live. I would say that it is a great place to move if you are a family, but, maybe not for singles!
Credit: Story by Varshini
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The proud Sarawak girl.
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Author: Buvesh Kumar
Unique
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