Sarawak’s population a powerful scientific asset

SARAWAK, home to more than 40 ethnic groups including the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Orang Ulu and Penan, holds a rich mosaic of genetic variation. This diversity is a powerful scientific asset in understanding how Malaysians respond to diseases as the MyGenom project moves forward.

Population immunology studies how immune responses vary between individuals and populations. These differences are often shaped by genetics. Just as our physical traits – height, skin tone, hair texture, etc. – differ, so do our immune responses to pathogens, medications and vaccinations.

Genetic diversity is crucial in understanding why some individuals are more susceptible to infectious diseases such as dengue, tuberculosis or Covid-19 while others exhibit stronger resistance or milder symptoms.

It also explains varying responses to vaccines and treatments. In Sarawak, for example, indigenous populations may carry different immune gene variants compared to urban Peninsular Malaysians, influencing how they respond to diseases or drugs. This is where genome mapping becomes critical.

The MyGenom project is a national initiative aimed at sequencing the genomes of Malaysians from diverse ethnic groups. It is a timely and ambitious effort to catalogue the genetic variants present in our population, including those from minority and indigenous groups.

The early phases of genome studies in Malaysia were dominated by data from the three main ethnic groups – Malays, Chinese and Indians. The inclusion of groups from Sarawak and Sabah will help to capture the broader spectrum of genetic variation that exists in this country.

With their deep ancestral roots and minimal admixture, the people of Sarawak offer insights into immune-related genes that may have evolved to counter local pathogens in tropical rainforest environments.

Among Sarawak’s indigenous peoples, the Penan, a traditionally nomadic group from the interior forests of Baram and Belaga, are of special interest. Despite their isolation, they have experienced disproportionately high rates of leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.

Why the Penan are particularly prone to leprosy remains under investigation, but genome science offers several clues.

Susceptibility to leprosy is known to be influenced by host genetics, particularly genes involved in innate immunity. These genes are involved in recognising mycobacteria and regulating inflammatory responses during infection.

Preliminary observations suggest that the Penan may carry unique variants or haplotypes in these immunity genes, possibly inherited through generations of geographic and genetic isolation.

It is also hypothesised that low genetic diversity within small, isolated communities like the Penan may contribute to the concentration of certain susceptibility alleles.

Including the Penan in the MyGenom project is not only scientifically valuable but also ethically necessary. It provides an opportunity to understand population-specific risks, tailor health screening, and design effective community-based interventions.

The inclusion of underrepresented groups in the MyGenom project ensures that health policies, treatments and diagnostics are inclusive and equitable. Leaving them out risks creating a healthcare gap where indigenous communities receive solutions based on data from unrelated populations.

In the past, genomics research involving indigenous groups faced criticism due to poor community engagement or lack of benefit-sharing. The current initiative addresses this by ensuring ethical collection, community consultation and data sovereignty, empowering communities in Sarawak to participate actively in research that affects their future.

Genetics is no longer just an academic pursuit. It is a national investment into the health of future generations. We must ensure that the MyGenom project continues to be inclusive, transparent, and scientifically robust.

DR RAFIDAH LANI

Senior lecturer

Department of Medical Microbiology

Faculty of Medicine

Universiti Malaya