Participants threshing of paddy at the ‘Irau Tupeh Padey’ event. - PLBMB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: ‘Irau Tupeh Padey’ is an old tradition of the Murut ethnic group to celebrate the paddy harvest, which has long been the main source of food for the tribe.
In the past, each Murut family possessed tools such as Yung (lasong) and Aluh (alu), as well as tikar mengkuang, tikar bamban, agag, rinuh, and bakiau for paddy harvesting.
However, in modern times, the younger generation has either not seen or lacks knowledge of the traditional processes of paddy harvesting and rice preparation, which was once a staple activity for every family.
As the Tupeh Padey activity is synonymous with the Murut tribe’s way of life, the Lun Bawang Murut Brunei Association (PLBMB) recently organised the Irau Tupeh Padey event for the first time this year.
The association hopes it will become an annual activity for the Brunei Murut Lun Bawang tribe.
One of the main objectives of the event is to foster closer relationships among members of the Murut tribe in the country. This aligns with the constitution of the PLBMB, which includes promoting, preserving, and improving culture, welfare, and sports among the Murut tribe, while also strengthening unity within the community in Brunei Darussalam.
The event also aims to improve livelihoods, encourage economic and educational development, open more opportunities, and promote entrepreneurship among the Murut tribe.
Irau Tupeh Padey successfully highlighted various activities, including sports, cultural displays, and business ventures.
From October to December, a total of 11 sporting and recreational events were held, including netball, badminton, volleyball, seven-a-side football, strongman/strongwoman contests, athletics, tug-of-war, squash, family sports, rice pounding, and a bazaar.
Held for the first time, the event attracted participation from the Murut tribe across the country, bringing them together in a family-like atmosphere and fostering unity through shared traditions. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
