KOTA KINABALU: For freelance senior journalist Anna Vivienne, the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns were a rewarding time as she was able complete her second book on the Kadazandusun community's taboos and beliefs.
The effort to pen the book was timely as the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has recently introduced dark tourism as a new product to preserve history in the state.
As dark tourism is associated with death, suffering or places with a grim history, the mysteries behind beliefs and cultures are also a part of this.
Anna said books could complement these endeavours as such publications delve into the superstitious side of cultures.
She said the soon-to-be launched book titled "Haunting and Ghostly Whispers" features 12 stories of supernatural happenings after these taboos were broken.
It is the continuation of her first book titled "Strange Magic and Supernatural Encounters", also containing 12 stories.
The books were written based on Anna's enthusiasm to document the diverse cultural and traditional heritage of the 40-strong major ethnic groups in Sabah, which is passed down orally by the elderly folks through the generations.
Most of the earlier documentations were initiated by local scholars and writers. Foreigners who visited this part of the world during the olden days had also contributed in writing the history, folktales and costumes of the Kadazandusun community, she said.
"These books will not only impart knowledge of our beliefs in the past to our local readers, but also allow tourists and visitors from outside the community to have an understanding of our social norms," said Anna.
Malaysia Homestay Operators Association vice-president Datuk Cobra Jeffrey Ayah said each ethnic group in Sabah has its own traditional beliefs and taboos as well as culture.
Although there would be similarities in the ritual rites and ceremonies, there are variations in the names and tales connected to the events, he said.
"For example, in the Misompuru Homestay in Kudat, the traditional norms, taboos and beliefs mentioned in Anna's books are still respected and practiced today.
"(This was) their way of life, before the arrival of religion. We have always promoted our tradition to our tourists," he said.
He added that the books can be used as souvenir products for tourists and ready materials to those interested in superstitious stories, besides as a reference to the traditional norms of indigenous communities in Sabah.
United Tuaran Tourism Association chairman Alexander Yee said books on the people's way of life are always of great interest to tourists, especially those who wish to know more about their hosts.
"These books offer readers an insight into the 'good old days'. It brings back childhood memories where the children gather around the elders to listen to stories," said Alexander, who endorsed the books.
He believes the books could be used in storytelling programmes in homestays because the community's cultural and historical traditions, which were passed down by word of mouth since time immemorial, were part of rural tourism.