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The Betimbang custom is traditionally held based on the readiness of the family to welcome a newborn. It is typically performed on the seventh day after birth or when the baby reaches 40 days old, depending on the family's capacity and preparation. This is because the ritual includes a Thanksgiving feast to celebrate with relatives and guests, which requires financial resources provided by the family.

On the day of the Betimbang ritual, the baby's family traditionally prepares a scale replica hung from a roof beam or ceiling. A sturdy rope secures the “Galu,” a pestle traditionally used for pounding rice, which acts as the primary balancing rod. Fabric slings are attached to both ends of the Galu: a batik sarong is used for a baby girl, while a pelikat sarong is chosen for a baby boy.

At one end of the sarong, specific items essential to the Betimbang ritual—such as firewood, rice, and young coconuts—are placed. Meanwhile, the baby is placed inside the sarong suspended from the opposite end. The ritual aims to achieve balance by ensuring that the items' weight matches the baby's weight. Once equilibrium is achieved, the scale is rotated once to the right, signifying the continuation of the Betimbang ritual proceedings.

Photo 2: Timbangan ‘Galu’

Source: Zubai Ani

In modern practices, some families construct a customised weighing apparatus known as Panimbangan, designed to resemble a traditional balance scale. This replica, made of wood, typically measures about 6 feet in height and 4 feet in width. A special horizontal wooden rod serves as the fulcrum for suspension. Unlike the traditional use of sarongs, the modern panimbangan features square platforms, each measuring two feet, securely fastened to the horizontal rod with thick ropes. One platform holds the ritual items, while the other supports the baby. The structure is adorned with colourful fabrics and floral decorations to enhance its aesthetic appeal, often customised to reflect the baby’s gender.

Once the panimbangan achieves balance, the scale is gently swung while an imam leads collective recitations of Selawat and Berzanji. These prayers invoke divine blessings and protection for the newborn. The imam then performs a purification ritual, anointing the baby’s hair with young coconut water mixed with fragrant essences such as rose or champaca flower extracts. Young coconut water symbolises purification and the freshness of new life. The ritual concludes with the imam cutting a small portion of the baby’s hair, signifying the beginning of a new phase in life. This act is accompanied by prayers for the baby’s health, ethical upbringing, and abundant blessings. 

Photo 3: Modern Timbanngan

Source: Hurai Tasmiah

During the hair-cutting, the imam gently trims the baby’s hair while family members form a circle around the baby. Holding hands, they wave young coconut leaves intricately woven into shapes of birds and flowers toward the baby. This act, performed repeatedly, symbolises the warding off of negative influences and seeking divine protection for the newborn. The ritual is accompanied by the continuous recitation of selawat and berzanji, reflecting the family's unity in welcoming the baby with gratitude and prayers for blessings.

Following the conclusion of the Betimbang custom, the family gathers for a thanksgiving prayer. Food is arranged at the centre of the living room, surrounded by guests seated for the feast. The imam leads the prayer, invoking blessings for the baby and the family. After the prayer, guests are invited to partake in the meal prepared by the family as part of the celebration. To conclude the ritual, the items used during the weighing process and a monetary token are presented to the imam as a gesture of gratitude. A closing prayer marks the formal end of the Betimbang ritual, symbolically welcoming the baby into the family and community with blessings and thanksgiving.

Hj Muminin Hj Norbinsha. Sabah Association of Bangsa Sungai, Lot 6, Block B, 2nd Floor, Midtown Plaza,Lintas Road, 90000 Sandakan Sabah. 12 November 2024.

KAN Panglima Abd Aziz Angau. a) Sabah Association of Bangsa Sungai, Lot 6, Block B, 2nd Floor, Midtown Plaza,Lintas Road, 90000 Sandakan Sabah. 12 November 2024.