Kuala Lumpur: The traditional ‘main bedil’ and ‘teter beduk’, reflecting the identity of the Malay community in Sarawak, will be featured prominently at the “Lan Berambeh Sungkei 2025 Sibu Division” programme slated for March 15 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sibu Division Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman emphasized that these events, once popular during Ramadan and leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri, will be contested to revive this age-old tradition. “Main bedil is a traditional game using bamboo cannons and kerosene, played in groups where participants 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 dates back to ancient times,” he stated during a press conference at the Sibu Division Resident’s Office.
He further explained that the event, organized 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. Mohamad Porkan, who also chairs the committee, noted that the programme, now in its seventh edition since its inception in 2017, is anticipated to draw over 20,000 participants.
“This programme, meaning ‘let’s break fast together’ in Sarawak Malay, has been warmly received annually except in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, it successfully attracted 15,000 participants,” he added. The event embraces a ‘potluck’ concept, encouraging visitors to bring their own dishes to share, aligning with the longstanding traditions of the local community.
The programme not only draws visitors from outside the region and state but also fosters tolerance and unity among Sarawakians. It will feature the distribution of iftar dishes from government agencies and departments, including spicy porridge, lambuk porridge, dates, kolok noodles, and chicken rice.
Notable attendees expected at the event include the National Unity Minister and Kanowit member of parliament Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, along with Sarawak Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.