The LaKiput or otherwise known as "Kiput" (as mispronounced by most people) are among the earlier settlers of Baram. As such the tribe is fondly referred to as "Lepo Pu'un" meaning: the "earlier tribe" or "Bangsa Asal" in Malay.
The Kiput are mostly settling in three main locations along the Baram River, ie. Kuala Tutoh (Christians), Kampung Lubok Nibong (Muslims) and Kampung Benawa (Muslims). The Kiput are mainly found in the Baram district and are said to be originated from central Borneo centuries ago. Like other Orang Ulu communities in Sarawak, they live in longhouses by the main river system, in their case by the Baram River, the second largest river in Sarawak after the Rajang. Some settled in longhouses in Kuala Tutoh and some in traditional Malay kampung houses in Kampung Lubok Nibong and Kampung Benawa.
The majority of the Kiput are paddy farmers who also catch fish at a nearby ox-bow lake as a mean of supplementary cash income. To reach Kuala Tutoh, Kampung Lubok Nibong and Kampung Benawa, one must take a ride by an express boat from the administrative center, Marudi. Like other communities in Sarawak, the Kiput rural populations are also dwindling as a large number of their young people have been lured into the cities in search of employment and life's comfort.
Those in Kuala Tutoh as mostly Christian. Those in Kampung Lubok Nibong and Kampung Benawa converted to Islam decades ago.
Presently, the longhouses and houses situated by the bank of the Baram River are frequently flooded. There is a plan to relocate those living in the Kuala Tutoh longhouses to higher ground, which is located across the riverbank of the present longhouses. For economic sustainability, the community has also desired and working closely with the government to have their native customary rights (NCR) land to be developed to spur the longhouses and kampung’s economy as well as to bring in more economic benefits to the people. These includes infrastructures such as roads, schools, place of worship, clinics, communication network, etc.
The community also has long been struggling not only to be recognized as indigenous in Sarawak and Malaysia but also to restore the originality of the community by being addressed as Kiput instead of LaKiput.
Pray for a full and accurate translation of the Scripture along with audio materials so they can hear and understand the Word of God.
Pray for their hearts to be open to the things of God and for their families to be blessed by the Lord.
Pray for the Christian believers among them to draw others to the Savior through their good deeds and loving ways.
Scripture Prayers for the Kiput in Malaysia.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
