KUCHING, Feb 26: Sarawak is set to attempt another entry into the Malaysia Book of Records with 250 sape players performing at the Citrawarna Keluarga Malaysia 2022 finale.
Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who confirmed this, said the musicians from all over Malaysia would take centre stage at 8pm tomorrow.
“Yes, we are going for it. That is the whole intention of grouping a total of 250 sape players performing simultaneously in one venue,” Abdul Karim said after the launch of the Sarawak Drum Festival (SDF) 2021 at Kuching Waterfront.
Meanwhile, he called for Sarawakians to defend the tradition and culture of Malay drumming and ‘bermukun’ because of its uniqueness.
“This traditional drumming and ‘bermukun’ only exist in Sarawak. Therefore, we Sarawakians need to maintain and ensure the continuity of this tradition for our next generation.
“If you look at any developed countries, traditional arts and culture are very much intact and firmly held in their people’s hearts. This is because they placed importance on preserving their ‘treasures’. That is why I feel it is arts and culture that balance a country’s progress,” Abdul Karim added.
At the same time, Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the country’s diverse culture and arts is an invaluable tourism attraction to the country.
The federal government will continue to initiate and develop festivals to ensure the sustainability of Malaysia’s arts, culture, and heritage.
“I hope that through festivals like this, it can encourage the community, especially the younger generation, to know, understand, and appreciate the art of Sarawak’s Malay drumming, which has been recognised as a National Heritage in 2012.
“I also urge SDF to continue their efforts in helping us to preserve and promote our heritage through strategic cooperation at all levels,” Nancy said. — DayakDaily
