A MUSICAL troupe from Sarawak, a state rich in cultural and musical heritage, enthralled the crowd with their upbeat musical performance at Straits Quay yesterday.
The musical show, called ‘Tarian dan Muzik Orang Ulu Sarawak’, is organised by Persatuan Kayan Sarawak and will be held until tomorrow (Aug 19).
The dance troupe, which consists of 21 members, came from Sungai Asap Koyan to showcase Sarawak’s cultural diversity, especially the Ulu community.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, who officiated the event, said a programme such as this would be instrumental to preserve one’s cultural heritage.
“The initiative undertaken by the Persatuan Kayan Sarawak to promote the Ulu community’s culture is very encouraging.
“It would help to honour the cultural heritage as well as prevent it from fading away with time.
“Both the Federal and state governments should support programmes such as this, and organise more of it,” Yeoh said during his speech at the event.
Earlier the troupe had also performed at Pavilion Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur from Aug 12 to Aug 14.
Meanwhile, Persatuan Kayan Sarawak chairman Danny Bungan thanked the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (Motac) Penang, the state government as well as Tourism Malaysia for making the event happen.
“This event is one way of promoting the culture of the Ulu community, especially in the Belaga district, to the people in peninsular Malaysia.
“I would also like to thank the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) for helping us with the grant and promotional activities,” Bungan added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar