Pantun Heritage Thrives Through Digital Revival, Cultural Initiatives

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Although the use of Malay pantun in daily conversation may have declined over time, the heritage art form remains very much alive and relevant, especially in official ceremonies and prestigious events, reflecting the enduring strength of Malay cultural values across generations.

Commonly featured in traditional customs such as weddings and engagement ceremonies, pantun continues to serve as a form of linguistic metaphor rich with implied meaning.

Efforts to preserve and strengthen the art form are also being carried out through various platforms, including competitions and cultural programmes aimed at ensuring its continued appreciation among the young generation.

Cultural experts believe initiatives to revitalise the nation’s heritage, including the HAWANA-DBP Pantun Festival 2026 organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), are capable of attracting greater public interest in the beauty of pantun.

Although pantun is no longer practised as widely as during the era of the Malay Sultanates, experts say it still plays an important role as a subtle and value-driven medium of communication in society.

Senior Lecturer in Culture, Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Nor Azita Che Din, believes pantun will continue to survive and evolve in line with changing times.

“Pantun is not merely a collection of rhythmic words but a vehicle of thought that combines the values, knowledge and philosophy of life of the Malay community. It educates speakers to convey meaning in a courteous and civilised manner, reflecting maturity in thought,” she said.

According to her, the uniqueness of pantun lies in its figurative delivery, allowing criticism or satire to be expressed tactfully without offending others.

However, she stressed that new approaches are needed to ensure pantun remains relevant, particularly among the younger audiences.

“Pantun needs to be brought to life through platforms that are more accessible to the young generation, such as social media, music and digital content. This opens space for more creative and interactive ways to elevate the beauty of this heritage art.

“We do not want pantun to merely be recognised as heritage, but to continue being understood and appreciated as a living culture. If it is not adapted to the times, pantun may still be known, but it will lose its significance in society’s practices,” she said.

She added that the media also has an important role in reviving interest in the heritage art form.

“Pantun competitions may seem ordinary, but when they are promoted through media platforms such as social media, short sketches, television and news broadcasts, they can have a significant impact in elevating the value of this heritage because the reach becomes much wider,” she said.

The HAWANA-DBP Pantun Festival 2026, now in its second year, will be held on May 9 at the Sari Stage, Jalan Conlay Craft Complex, in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026.

This year’s competition features participation from the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), TV3, Astro Audio News, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian, Media Selangor and Bernama.

Language planner at DPB, Azimin Daud, said pantun competitions should be viewed as platforms for rebuilding language culture rather than merely entertainment.

“Such an approach can cultivate interest and awareness about the importance of beautiful and civilised language. The Malay language will remain strong if it is used consciously, not only for communication but also to convey meaning and values,” he said.

Meanwhile, national language and literary figure Senator Datuk Seri Prof Dr Awang Sariyan acknowledged that some modern pantun, especially spontaneous ones, are losing their aesthetic and intellectual depth due to changes in today’s lifestyle and communication habits.

“There are pantuns that merely play on rhymes such as ‘pen merah, pen biru, you marah, I love you’, which carry little meaning or value and are merely jokes.

“In the past, people had more space to reflect and think deeply before expressing ideas through pantun, proverbs and poetry. Today, not only is interest in deep thinking declining, but the space for reflection is also becoming narrower,” said the Professor Emeritus of the Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation (ATMA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.  

Despite this, Awang, holder of the UiTM Malay Rulers’ Chair, stressed that digital technology should not be viewed as a threat, but rather as a tool to expand the use of pantun and preserve its aesthetic value for future generations.

-- BERNAMA