The Banyan brought down by The Queen

Queen Elizabeth II 1950s - Source: alamy.com


Banyan trees or fig trees are common in South East Asia including Borneo. In many parts of Sarawak, Banyan can be easily traced nearby Chinese or Indian temples, older buildings and colonial architecture.

Most locals respect Banyan trees, as in many cultures especially in Asia, people develop taboos against harming or felling Banyan trees.

As such, most Banyan trees found in Sarawak are large & old with long history & association with local culture, and of religious significance. Many believe such trees reside ghosts, gods or other hostile spirits.

Banyan tree - Source: cifor.org

The Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, a species of Banyan or fig tree called Ficus Religiosa.

After WW2, in Sarawak, there were increasing infra structures rebuilding & development undertaken by the new British Colonial Government.

As lands were cleared for projects, there were instances where Banyan trees were felled or intruded. Many locals were reluctant to directly involve or avoided Banyan tree clearing. There were stories on people getting punished or killed trying to fell the sacred trees; there were also many cases where roads were diverted, from large Bayan tree, out of religious & spiritual tension as to environmental conservation.

It was said that there was this very large old Banyan tree in Kuching where road diversion or avoidance was not possible, the 'Public Work Department' at the time was trying hard to carry out the job. Few bulldozers had been immobilised near the site, and there were few instances where persons in charge or drivers injured or quit due to unusual incidents.

As time was running out to complete the job, a directive in the name of the Queen was issued, to the tree, to make way for the project. The Queen Order was issued and attached to the Bayan tree. 

It was learnt that the Banyan tree dried up about a week later & clearing was later made peacefully by local workers; the road project completed as desired.

The flag of the Kingdom of Sarawak 1948/73


Sarawak becomes part of Malaysia in 1963 which ended the British Crown Colony in this land. Locals continue to respect the Banyan trees where possible whether in public projects or private land clearing. There were still many incidents where engineers pathed ways for the sacred trees in many parts of the local council & highway projects, partly as environmental consciousness & partly as adherent to local cultures.

The story of the Banyan brought down by the Queen had long since faded.


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