Bomoh aids Belaga search and rescue mission

A shaman or ‘bomoh’ has been called to assist the search and rescue mission for the Rajang River tragedy.

Hailing from Long Amo, Sarawak, the shaman or bungan known as Lato Jumam is believed to be able to help find the remaining victims that are still missing.

According to Kayan beliefs, the Giam Bungan river area is guarded by Lawa Abai (river spirit), while the river bank is guarded by Laja Tiong (soil spirit).

Lato, who is a Kayan decent himself, seeks the help from the two ‘spirits’ especially Laja Tiong to enable any trapped bodies to be released.

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A ceremony is carried out to summon these spirits.

He said among the things needed for the ceremony are tobacco, betel nut, betel leaf, glutinous rice, rice, eggs, rice wine, liquor, kuih jala and a live black chicken.

The things must be prepared in two ‘servings’ – one for Laja Tiong and the other Lawa Abai.

Lato with the aid of a villager begins the ceremony by preparing a carved stick which will be stuck into the soil before placing an egg on it.

The ceremony begins by reciting a mantra to summon the two spirits before pouring rice wine onto the river bank’s soil.

After the ceremony, the chicken is slaughtered and left inside the river.

ayam