The Sarawak Cultural Village will play host to the Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival in August. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
The “Ini Warisan Kita” programme organised by the National Unity Ministry (KPN) is a platform to strengthen unity among Malaysians through national heritage treasures.
The programme themed Melestarikan Perpaduan (Maintaining Unity) was held recently in Putrajaya and was officiated by National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
KPN said the programme coincided with the government’s desire to develop a Malaysia Madani that adopts elements of respect and makes heritage a platform for strengthening unity among Malaysians.
“The main objective of organising this programme is to preserve unity by increasing the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of people of various races about the country’s heritage,” KPN said in a statement.
One of the main elements of the Ini Warisan Kita programme is an exhibition of ethnic houses such as Chetti, Baba Nyonya, Mah Meri, Siamese and Portuguese that will feature a variety of activities such as dance, fashion, traditional food, and handicrafts.
There are also cultural performances with cross-cultural elements as well as heritage manuscripts that are priceless national treasures on display at the National Archives, Museums Department and National Library.
In order to encourage more parties to participate in the Ini Warisan Kita programme, KPN said it also offered incentives in the form of grants of up to RM50,000 subject to the terms and conditions that have been set.
“The main focus of this incentive is to cover the areas of ethnic diversity, language, traditional games, customs, food as well as traditional arts and musical instruments,” the ministry said.
KPN also introduced several other initiatives including the “Nostalgia Anak Kampung” programme which brings back traditional sports as a community activity, especially among young people.
Sarawak events
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival will be held from Aug 18 to 20 at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching.
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said one of the highlights of this festival is a musical drama entitled Rentap – The Battle Of Bukit Sadok.
“It is based on an Iban legend, with scenes enlivened using theatrical effects, and staged in an indoor theatre. The play will (tell the story of) the young Rentap before he became a famous warrior,” said Abdul Karim at a press conference recently.
He added that the musical drama will also be streamed live through the event website (https://sarawakharvestfestival.com.my/) at RM30 per watch.
Abdul Karim talked about a new event, the Santubong International Folk Dance Competition, which will be held on Nov 3 and 4 in conjunction with the festival.
“Another highlight is the Tribal Ironman Challenge 2023. The competition was first introduced in 2006. This Ironman competition is open to all men who are 18 years of age and above to exhibit their superhuman strength in tackling traditional-based activities,” he said.
The annual festival, which has been organised since 1996, aims to celebrate the diversity of different ethnic groups in Sarawak. – Bernama
