Butterworth: TV3's pantun team claimed the championship title, with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) finishing as runner-up in the HAWANA-DBP 2026 Pantun Festival, which was held in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the victory saw TV3 successfully defend the title it won in the inaugural edition of the competition last year through a team comprising Mohammad Nor Affiq Norshamsudin, Mohd Safwan Sawi, Azrin Md Isa, and Mohamed Hirsham Azmi.

Making the triumph even sweeter, the prizes were presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the HAWANA 2026 main event held at the PICCA Convention Centre Butterworth Arena here, with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai also in attendance.

With the victory, TV3 took home RM3,000 in cash, a trophy, and certificates of participation, while Bernama received RM2,000 in cash along with a trophy and certificates.

The competition also saw Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) finish third, followed by Berita Harian in fourth, among a total of eight participating teams announced earlier.

Meanwhile, Bernama representative Muhammad Syukri Khairulannuar was named Best Pantun Performer, while the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) team won the Best Attire Award.

A total of 32 participants took part in the competition, held at Panggung Sari, Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur on May 9, serving as one of the curtain-raiser events for the HAWANA 2026 celebrations.

Commenting on the victory, TV3 team leader Mohammad Nor Affiq expressed gratitude for his team's success in retaining the HAWANA-DBP Pantun Festival title for a second consecutive year.

He admitted that he had initially felt the weight of the responsibility of leading the team, but encouragement from his mentor and TV3 host Ahmad Fedtri Yahya inspired him to take on the challenge.

"Alhamdulillah, the efforts of the entire team have finally paid off. I would also like to express my appreciation to my teammates, family members and all our supporters who have continuously encouraged us, enabling us to successfully defend the championship title," he said.