Tapioca is oft associated with the war years in Malaya where starch from the cassava roots formed a staple diet of those hiding from the Japanese invaders. It was a readily available (easy grown and fast maturing) source of carbohydrates, together with potatoes. Like it or not, it was an integral source of sustenance, cheaper than other foods. With a better life after the war, tapioca is largely forgotten until rebranded as 'pearls' in the Taiwanese bubble tea, and also served as a dish in some trendy restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. But away from the occupational epicentre in Kuala Lumpur, Awang Damit Ahmad gives his take on the reliance of tapioca for nourishment in Sabah, specifically his hometown in Kuala Penyu. Awang Damit Ahmad was born in Kuala Penyu, Sabah, in 1956 and contributed to Malaysian art for over 40 years. He is known as an abstract painter with unique characteristics and style. Among his achievements is that he has participated in more than 300 group exhibitions at home and abroad and presented ten solo exhibitions since 1994. In 2021, he received the Special Award for Sabah State Visual Artist from the Sabah Art Gallery. His first solo exhibition at Shenn's Fine Art, Singapore, was held in 1994. As a result of the show, he bought a one-acre plot of land in Sijangkang, Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor, where he built a house and studio, PantauIraga Art Space, used as a space for students to come and undergo practical training and an artist's studio. In May 2023, Minister of Communications and Digital YB Fahmi Fadzil officiated for Awang Damit's memoir titled Garismega: Awang Damit Ahmad Biografi and a publication of his new series titled ADAlogy Estetika Timur at Galeri Prima, Kuala Lumpur. The book launch was organised by Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers.