GI registration of the sape initiated to protect Orang Ulu heritage
MIRI, 27 October 2026: The Geographical Indication (GI) Engagement Session on the Orang Ulu traditional instrument, sape, was recently held in Miri, bringing together government officials including industry stakeholders, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) as well as sape activists and makers to protect the instrument’s heritage and ensure the preservation of their identity, manufacturing methods and special characteristics.
According to MTCP Principal Assistant Secretary, Dr. Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern, efforts to register sape through GI is more important than ever, with the instrument’s increasing popularity. GI registration not only recognise the name and origin of the product, but also help protect traditional characteristics that distinguish the sape from other products.
“Details relating to the identity and specifications for sape-making needed to be detailed to ensure that the authenticity of the musical instrument was not affected as it gained more attention in the market. We need to determine the identity of the sape, including its origin, the type of wood used and the method of making it so that its authenticity can be maintained,” she said.
Dr. Elena added that complete documentation must be prepared to establish the characteristics and manufacturing methods that are part of the Sarawak sape identity, including the processes that must be carried out traditionally and the parts that are allowed to be machined, if relevant.
“The specification is important to prevent the use of the name ‘Sarawak sape’ for products that did not meet the agreed characteristics and manufacturing methods,” she concluded.
