KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) has denied claims that it had burned Iban works of literature and books.
It said that the statement, which was posted on social media, is unfounded, untrue and may cause confusion and misunderstanding and give a negative impression to DBP.
"Since DBP Sarawak branch took over the function and role of Borneo Literature Bureau (BLB) in 1977, all materials including books received from BLB totalling 1,077 titles including 444 (BLB) and 633 (Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah Collection) are still stored.
"These can be used as a reference by researchers, writers and the public who wish to go to the Koleksi Borneo at DBP Sarawak Branch," it said in a statement.
It also said it is the agency responsible for publishing Iban Language Textbooks together with the Education Ministry for official use in teaching the subject in schools in Sarawak.
DBP added that as an agency entrusted to protect and dignify language and literature, it has also published books through research and documentation of tribal languages and indigenous folklore in Sarawak, which included Kamus Bahasa Melanau Mukah – Melayu Dewan, Kamus Bahasa Iban – Melayu Dewan, Kamus Bahasa Vaie – Melayu Dewan, and Kamus Melayu Sarawak – Melayu Dewan.
DBP has also published word lists namely Daftar Kata Bahasa Vaie – Bahasa Melayu, Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu – Bahasa Kedayan, Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu – Bahasa Melanau Dalat, Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu – Bahasa Melanau Seduan, Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu – Bahasa Kenyah Cebup, Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu – Bahasa Tetaw, Daftar Kata Bahasa Bakong – Bahasa Melayu and Daftar Kata Bahasa Narum – Bahasa Melayu
"DBP also published 44 Folk Literature Books which included Antologi cerita Rakyat Sarawak Telichu dan Telichai, Avun Hagang Batang Kayo, Kerena Dayang Petera, Nariak dan Puteri Kayangan, Buluh Perindu, Kumpulan Cerita Rakyat Sarawak Si Abu-Abu, Cerita Rakyat Iban and Asap Kayu Lukai.
As such, it said DBP Sarawak will continue to carry out research, conservation and publication in honouring indigenous languages, folk literature and the uniqueness found in the multi-racial community in the state.
"The results of these findings are presented every year in the Seminar Kearifan Tempatan Sarawak which involves the participation of researchers, literary activists, academics and community leaders."
It also expressed its hopes that the allegations on social media would not hinder DBP efforts to continue preserving and conserving the treasures, uniqueness and culture of the Sarawak community and that the documentation and published books would be sought after by future generations.
Earlier, a post circulated on social media, claiming that DBP burned and buried all Iban literature and other Borneo language literature in an attempt to "Malaynise" the indigenous people of Sarawak and kill their languages.
The post detailed the chronology on the alleged decline of Iban language and English in Sarawak as well as the burning of Iban literature.