Kuala lumpur: The HAWANA-DBP 2026 Pantun Festival held at the Craft Complex here today received an encouraging response from visitors of various age groups who see the programme as an important platform to elevate the art of pantun (Malay poetry) as a cultural heritage of the nation. The lively atmosphere that brought together media practitioners, language enthusiasts, and young people proves that traditional arts are still relevant and capable of attracting public attention even in this modern digital era.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, most visitors praised the initiative to organise programmes based on Malay culture and language, which were seen as successfully bringing a different touch to the programmes' content in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration. RTM programme producer Noriza Ismail expressed that such programmes should be continued and expanded so that the art of pantun does not fade away with time. She highlighted that pantun can showcase the thinking and virtues of the Malay community, serving as an effective medium to educate society to be more civilised and cultured.
Noriza, who has been fond of pantun since her school days, mentioned that she attended the event to support her friends who participated in the competition. Meanwhile, Bernama news officer Rosemarie Khoo Mohd Sani believes that reviving the art of pantun needs a more creative and fresh approach to remain close to the hearts of the younger generation. She suggested that pantun has the potential to be highlighted as a cultural tourism product, especially through spontaneous pantun exchanges that can provide a unique experience for foreign tourists.
Rosemarie also emphasised the beauty of pantun when its meaning and linguistic subtleties are truly appreciated. She noted that the selection of the location at the Craft Complex was appropriate, as it not only upholds cultural heritage but also indirectly helps promote local craft products to visitors.
Young visitor Muhamad Adif Zulhilmi Azman, 18, believes that social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram can be utilised to attract the interest of the younger generation towards the art of pantun. He stated that presenting pantun on social media in a fresher and more creative way could engage more young people. Muhamad Adif, who initially came to see the handicraft exhibition, admitted that he was drawn to participate in the poetry festival after witnessing the competition atmosphere and performances.
Muhamad Adif noted that a live performance of pantun is rare, and he finds it unique because it involves understanding the hidden meaning behind each stanza. The Pesta Pantun HAWANA-DBP 2026, organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), is one of the initial activities leading up to the HAWANA 2026 summit in Penang on June 20, with the theme "Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility."