Mukah Division, Sarawak

Melanau Culture, Coastal Life & Sago Heartland

Mukah Division, located on the central coast of Sarawak, is a region steeped in Melanau heritage, fishing traditions, and sago production. As a developing division, it plays an increasingly important role in coastal trade, food security, and cultural preservation.

Formation & Historical Background

  • Declared a separate division in 2002, formerly part of Sibu Division
  • Long considered the ancestral home of the Melanau people
  • Evolved from a fishing village to a division-level administrative and cultural center
  • Hosts Kaul Festival, the most significant Melanau traditional celebration

Basic Information

CategoryDetails
Division NameMukah Division
StateSarawak
Division CenterMukah Town
AreaApprox. 6,997 sq. km
Population (2025 est.)Approx. 135,000
Main Ethnic GroupsMelanau, Malay, Iban, Chinese

Districts in Mukah Division (5 total)

District NameAdministrative CenterKnown For
MukahMukah TownAdministrative hub, sago processing, Kaul Festival
DalatDalat TownMelanau villages, agriculture, river life
MatuMatu TownRemote coastal communities, peatland farming
DaroDaro TownFishing, sago, wetland nature
Tanjung ManisTanjung Manis TownHalal hub, port, commercial fishing, export processing

Local Governance & Representation

Position / RoleName (2025 est.)Remarks
Resident (Commissioner)Encik Zaini Haji SahariOversees development and rural affairs
District OfficersPresent in all 5 districtsAdminister land, fisheries, cultural programs
MPs & ADUNsRepresent Melanau-majority areasFocus on marine economy, culture, environment

Key Features & Attractions

  • Kaul Festival (Mukah) – Annual cultural celebration on the beach
  • Sago Farms & Factories – Staple Melanau food industry
  • Melanau Tall Houses – Unique architecture in Kampung Tellian
  • Tanjung Manis Port – Gateway to Sarawak’s halal seafood exports
  • Oya River, Dalat Wetlands – Scenic boat rides and mangrove eco-tourism
  • Daro & Matu Fishing Villages – Traditional fishing lifestyle

Economy & Livelihood

  • Sago Processing – Mukah is Sarawak’s sago capital
  • Fisheries – Deep-sea and river fishing in Daro, Matu, Tanjung Manis
  • Agriculture – Coconut, pineapple, paddy, vegetables
  • Seafood & Halal Export Industry – Based in Tanjung Manis Economic Zone
  • Crafts & Traditional Food – Melanau kuih, fish crackers, sago pearls

Transport & Connectivity

  • Connected by coastal roads and ferry services
  • Mukah Airport (MKH) – New short-haul domestic airport
  • Water transport: boat services along Oya River and coastal lines
  • Upgraded road links to Bintulu, Sibu, and interior villages

Education & Healthcare

  • Politeknik Mukah, Kolej Laila Taib, MARA Skills Institute
  • Government schools in all districts
  • Mukah Hospital, Dalat District Hospital, clinics in rural areas
  • Mobile health boats for coastal zones

Culture & Local Cuisine

  • Strong Melanau culture blended with Malay and Iban influences
  • Traditional foods:
    • Linut (sago paste), Umai (raw marinated fish), Sago balls, Terubok masin
  • Melanau attire, tall houses, bamboo & nipa crafts
  • Festivals:
    • Kaul Festival, Hari Gawai, Eid celebrations

Summary

Mukah Division is a cultural and culinary gem of Sarawak’s coast. From sago palms to salty sea breezes, and from historic tall houses to modern halal hubs, Mukah offers a journey through tradition, taste, and transformation.