Kuching: An unique collaboration between Bintulu Port Holding Berhad (BPHB) and the operators of Sungai Sarawak passenger boats, known locally as ‘penambang’, has brought a fresh tourism draw here, with pantun (traditional Malay quatrains) now displayed on the boats’ rooftops.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a total of 16 passenger boats at Kampung Boyan have been decorated with four quatrains each. This initiative by Bintulu Port aims to elevate pantun as a cultural heritage of the Malay people. BPHB president and chief executive officer Ruslan Abdul Ghani mentioned that the collaboration began last year during the Sarawak Regatta, acknowledging the challenges faced by boat operators. The idea was to partner with them by turning their boats into moving cultural canvases, adding economic and social value.

The boats have been decorated with pantun verses carrying themes of unity, advice, and love for the nation’s heritage. When these boats travel along Sungai Sarawak, they not only carry passengers but also serve as cultural ambassadors, heritage billboards, and a platform for education. This initiative supports the livelihoods of boat operators by making their boats more attractive to tourists and locals.

Boat operator Haili Birin expressed appreciation for Bintulu Port’s initiative. He stated that the pantun on the roof of the boats is expected to attract more tourists, and the cash assistance received helps ease their burden in buying petrol. The classic pantun, ‘pisang emas di bawa belayar, masak sebiji di atas peti, hutang emas boleh dibayar, hutang budi dibawa mati’, resonates with the operators’ feelings towards Bintulu Port, and it will also help enliven the Merdeka month celebration.

A Bernama survey at the Kuching Waterfront found many tourists taking advantage of the opportunity to ride the boats while also snapping photos of the pantun as mementos.