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● 3 kg glutinous rice

● Sasad (Yeast) - Natural yeast made from rice that has been fermented and dried. This yeast will help the fermentation process to produce alcohol.

● Water 

● Banana leaves, tarp leaves, or plastic covers - to cover the opening of the fermentation vessel

● Tajau (jar) or glass jar

1. Cook the rice with a little water until it reaches a slightly dry texture. Make sure the rice is not too soft because it will produce Lihing with a less good taste.

2. Once the rice is cooked, spread the rice on a tray and let it cool. Make sure the rice is completely cool before adding the yeast.

3. When the rice is cool, mix the yeast that has been finely pounded into the rice. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until all the rice is coated with yeast perfectly. Make sure this process is done cleanly and that your hands are not exposed to acidic substances such as lemons because they can interfere with the fermentation process.

4. Containers for fermentation such as jars or glass jars should be thoroughly cleaned and dried in the sun. Dirty or wet containers can spoil the fermentation process and change the taste of Kinomol and Lihing.

5. Put the rice and yeast mixture into a jar or glass jars and press down a little to make sure it's compact. Cover the opening of the container with a banana leaf or tarap leaf, then tie it tightly using rattan, wooden roots or a plastic cover tied with a rubber band.

6. Fermentation for Kinomol is fermented for 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature. Liquid Kinomol will form at the bottom of the container. This liquid can be drunk directly or added a little water to reduce its concentration.

7. To produce Lihing, let this mixture of rice and yeast ferment for 2 to 3 months or longer. The liquid formed will be dark yellowish in color and have a stronger taste and alcohol content than Kinomol. 

8. Lihing can be stored for years in an airtight container, and the flavour will get better with time. Some people bury these containers in the ground to ensure the maturation process of the drink goes well and open the containers only on special days.

Alice Kinsui. 69 Years Old. Kampung Bongkud, Ranau, Sabah. 6 October 2024

Stella Jonnes. 34 Years Old. Kampung Bongkud, Ranau, Sabah. 6 October 2024