Health and wellness insights from Malay proverbs: lessons from the bananas / Nazima Versay Kudus

Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins and dietary fiber. According to the Fruit Crop Statistics (2021) released by the Department of Agriculture Malaysia, bananas rank as the second highest in production in the country, following durian. Beyond their practical aspects, the Malay metaphors and proverbs surrounding bananas offer profound insights into health, wellness, and human behaviour. Navigating Relationships "Pisang masak separak" (A banana orchard brimming with ripe fruit) symbolises a joyous and content family, emphasising the significance of familial happiness for overall well-being. Similarly, "pisang sesikat digulai sebelanga" (A comb of bananas makes a pot of stew) represents supportive friends and family, conveying the idea that the presence of such support enriches our lives and contributes significantly to overall wellness.