Five NGOs to Produce Documentary Series Showcasing Malaysia’s Minority Ethnic Communities
KANGAR: Five non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have joined forces to produce a series of five documentaries highlighting the history, traditions and cultural heritage of Malaysia’s minority ethnic communities in an effort to strengthen national unity while preserving the country’s diverse cultural identity.
The nationwide initiative brings together Pertubuhan Masyarakat Cakna Harmoni (MYCAKNA), Pertubuhan Masyarakat Insaniah dan Inklusif (Permaidani), Pertubuhan Peduli Masyarakat Sejahtera (Permas), Pertubuhan Anak Muda Ikatan Rakyat Selangor (Amir) and Pertubuhan Mestika Santuni Masyarakat (Mestika).
Working collectively, the organisations aim to document communities that have often remained underrepresented in mainstream media despite their significant contributions to Malaysia’s multicultural heritage.
The project is being carried out through the National Unity Ministry’s Unity Programme Financial Assistance (BKPP), with the objective of preserving the historical narratives, customs, languages and identities of minority ethnic groups while fostering greater understanding among Malaysians from different backgrounds.
MYCAKNA chairman Riza Imran Abd. Razak said the proposed documentaries are expected to feature ethnic communities including the Rungus, Dusun Liwan, Dusun Bundu and Dusun Lotud in Sabah, as well as the Kiput, Berawan, Sihan, Lun Bawang and Narum communities in Sarawak.
Each participating NGO will focus on documenting one minority ethnic community, highlighting its distinctive cultural practices, traditional customs, language and historical background.
According to Riza Imran, the documentaries will be developed using an authentic storytelling approach centred on the lived experiences of community members themselves.
He said this method would allow audiences to gain a deeper appreciation of the values, traditions, struggles and contributions of minority communities that have helped shape Malaysia’s national identity.
The initiative, he added, is consistent with the message previously delivered by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, who described national unity as the country’s greatest gift.
He noted that the King’s message underscored the importance of measuring national progress not only through economic development but also through peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and social harmony among citizens.
Riza Imran also referred to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s repeated emphasis that Malaysia’s cultural and ethnic diversity should be viewed as one of the nation’s greatest strengths.
Similarly, National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang has consistently stressed that unity is no longer merely an aspiration but a national necessity that underpins long-term stability and development.
Beyond serving as historical records, the documentaries are intended to become a lasting visual archive documenting communities whose stories are seldom highlighted in public discourse.
Many of these ethnic groups continue to reside in remote areas while preserving traditional languages, customs and cultural practices despite increasing pressures brought about by modernisation.
The documentary series is expected to provide the public with an opportunity to hear directly from community members, enabling greater appreciation of the cultural diversity that distinguishes Malaysia on the global stage.
The collaboration also demonstrates a growing model of cooperation among civil society organisations, with participating NGOs pooling expertise, experience and resources to maximise the project’s social impact.
Organisers hope the initiative will not only safeguard the heritage of minority communities but also encourage future generations to better understand and celebrate Malaysia’s rich multicultural identity.
