KUCHING (Aug 27): More government agencies, corporations and organisations should play a greater role in preserving and revitalising cultural heritage, including the Malay ‘pantun’ (rhymes), to ensure its relevance in today’s society, said Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He lauded the unique initiative by Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB), which has introduced its Pantun Series with Sarawak River Penambang.
“This initiative by Bintulu Port is unique because it is not merely about making contributions, but also comes with creative effort featuring pantun verses on the roofs of 16 traditional penambang boats plying the Sarawak River.
“As these boats travel along the river, they not only serve as a means of transport for visitors but also as moving platforms carrying the heritage of our people.
“Young people, tourists from within and outside the country, as well as the general public, can see, read, appreciate and embrace pantun in a relaxed setting yet filled with values,” he said in a text speech read by Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE) advisor Datu Dr Sabariah Putit at the launch of the series at the English Tea House here today.
Abdul Karim expressed hope that Bintulu Port’s effort would serve as an example of how corporate bodies could contribute not only to the community, but also to the preservation of culture and identity.
He said cultural heritage preserved today will be an invaluable treasure for future generations.
Pantun, he added, is a great legacy of the Malay people, reflecting intellect, refinement and traditions passed down through centuries, which has even been recognised by Unesco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“More importantly, we ourselves have the responsibility to ensure pantun continues to live in the daily life of society.
“We must not allow our heritage to simply fade away, especially in this modern world that can easily forget its roots,” he said.
The minister added that Bintulu Port’s initiative demonstrated that heritage could not only be preserved, but also enlivened in creative, fresh and relevant ways.
“This is what I hope to see, that such efforts mark the beginning of more inclusive cultural programmes that bring positive impact to the community,” he said.
Also present at the event was Bintulu Port Group Stakeholder Relations general manager Maslihah Tioh.
– The Borneo Post Online