KUCHING: Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd (BPHB) has turned heritage into a moving showcase by adorning the roofs of 16 traditional perahu penambang along Sungai Sarawak with verses of pantun centred on unity and wisdom.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the initiative demonstrates how cultural preservation can be creatively infused into everyday life, transforming the iconic boats into “floating platforms of heritage”.
“Pantun is a treasure of the Malay civilisation, not just an art of language, but a symbol of intellect, refinement, and values passed down for centuries.
“While UNESCO has recognised pantun as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the greater responsibility lies with us to ensure it continues to live in the daily lives of our people,” he said in his speech, delivered on his behalf by Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE) Chairperson, Datuk Dr Sabariah Putit.
Abdul Karim praised BPHB for going beyond corporate responsibility, calling the project “a meaningful cultural gift to the community”.
“This is an example of how corporations can give back not only through community support, but by contributing to the preservation of our culture and identity.
“The heritage we safeguard today will be an invaluable treasure for generations to come,” he said.
He also urged government agencies, corporations, and organisations to emulate the initiative by supporting cultural heritage through art, music, dance, language, and tradition.
“Initiatives like this prove that heritage can not only be preserved, but also enlivened in creative, fresh and relevant ways.
“I hope this will be the beginning of more inclusive cultural programmes that bring positive impact to the community.”
The Bintulu Port Pantun Series was launched at the English Tea House in Kuching, witnessed by community leaders, industry stakeholders, and cultural advocates.