Main Bedil', 'Teter Beduk' Among Attractions At 'lan Berambeh Sungkei 2025 Programme' In Sibu

SIBU, March 1 (Bernama) -- The traditional 'main bedil' and 'teter beduk', that reflect the identity of the Malay community in Sarawak, will be among the main events in the "Lan Berambeh Sungkei 2025 Sibu Division" programme scheduled to take place on March 15 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here.

Sibu Division Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman said that both events, which were once popular during the month of Ramadan and leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri, will be contested to revive the long-standing tradition.

"Main bedil is a traditional game using bamboo cannons and kerosene that is played in groups. Participants will compete to produce the loudest sound or create the most explosions in one session.

"Meanwhile, the teter beduk or the beating of the beduk is a culture that from ancient times," he said at a press conference at the Sibu Division Resident's Office today.

He said that the organisation of the event by the Sibu Division Islamic Festival Standing Committee, in collaboration with the N55 Nangka DUN Service Centre, aims to introduce the cultural heritage of the Malay community in Sarawak to the younger generation so that it is not forgotten.

Mohamad Porkan, who is also the chairman of the committee, stated that the programme which is entering its seventh edition since its introduction in 2017, is expected to attract more than 20,000 participants.

"This programme means 'let's break fast together' in Sarawak Malay and has received a warm welcome every year except in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, this programme successfully attracted 15,000 participants," he also said.

He added that the concept of this programme is a 'potluck' where visitors are encouraged to bring their own dishes to share, in line with the long-standing traditions of the local community.

In addition to attracting visitors from outside the region and state, the programme also promotes tolerance and unity among the people of Sarawak.

The programme will also witness the distribution of donations from government agencies and departments in the form of iftar dishes such as spicy porridge, lambuk porridge, dates, kolok noodles and chicken rice.

The National Unity Minister and Kanowit member of parliament Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, and Sarawak Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee are expected to attend the programme.

-- BERNAMA