URBAND LEGEND IN SARAWAK - WOMAN IN RED

The legend of Janet is one of the most famous and enduring urban legends in Sarawak, particularly in the city of Kuching. Her story dates back to the late 1960s and 1970s and is deeply intertwined with local history and folklore.

The Origins of the Legend

The most widely told version of the story identifies Janet as a young Chinese nurse who worked at the Sarawak General Hospital (HUS). According to the legend:

• The Disappearance: Janet reportedly vanished one night while returning home from her late-night shift.
• Ritual Sacrifice: At the time, the Satok Bridge was under construction and faced numerous structural setbacks. Local rumors suggested that "territorial spirits" were preventing the bridge from being completed and demanded a "human sacrifice" (Korban Semah).
• The Discovery: Legend says Janet was kidnapped and killed for this purpose. While versions vary, the most common claim is that she was decapitated, and her head was embedded in one of the bridge’s concrete pillars to appease the spirits and ensure the structure's stability. Her headless body was allegedly found later in a culvert.

The Hauntings

Following her tragic death, her grieving parents reportedly buried her in red clothes and red shoes. In Chinese folklore, being buried in red is believed to allow the soul to return as a powerful, vengeful spirit. Shortly after, sightings of "The Woman in Red" began:

• The Hitchhiker: Janet is often seen at the side of the road near the Satok Bridge or Kampung Kudei. She reportedly hitches rides with motorcyclists or car drivers, only to vanish before reaching the destination, leaving behind a foul, rotting odor on the seat.
• The Ferry Passenger: Fares she pays to ferrymen across the Sarawak River are said to turn into dried leaves or Chinese hell notes (joss paper) by morning. This led to a long-standing practice where ferry operators in the area would stop working after 10:00 PM.
• The Cinema: Some stories claim she appears at midnight movie screenings at the old Cathay Cinema, where she would sit next to men, only for them to find leaves in their pockets later.
• The Avenger: More recent versions of the legend portray her as a "spectral agent of justice" who targets unfaithful husbands.

Cultural Impact

The story of Janet is so ingrained in Sarawakian culture that many locals still avoid mentioning her name at night for fear of "inviting" a visit. Her story has been adapted into various media, including:

• Manga: Yuzo Takada’s series 3x3 Eyes features a story arc titled "The Red Rain of Malaysia" based on her.
• Film: The 2021 film Janet: Sumpah Terlarang is an adaptation of the urban legend.
• Video Games: She appears as a character in the online game Ghost Trapper.

Google Gemini AI

24 January 2026: 1.24 p.m