KUCHING: Sixteen traditional penambang boats along the Sarawak River have returned with fresh pantun adorned roofs as part of the Bintulu Port Pantun Series, celebrating Sarawak Day 2026 while bringing the state’s literary heritage to the public.
The refreshed designs, unveiled today (July 22) by Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB), introduce a new collection of Malay pantun, building on last year’s inaugural initiative that transformed the river taxis into moving showcases of Sarawak’s cultural heritage.
BPHB president and group chief executive officer Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani said the initiative reflected the belief that heritage should be experienced and shared rather than merely preserved.
“Culture lives when it continues to connect with people. Through the Bintulu Port Pantun Series, we hope to bring heritage closer to everyday life by transforming these traditional boats into moving storytellers along the Sarawak River,” he said.
He added that the initiative also supports penambang operators, whose livelihoods depend on the river, by enhancing the appeal of their boats while helping preserve Kuching’s cultural landscape.
According to a statement, this year’s edition features a new collection of pantun, giving the boats a renewed appearance while promoting one of the Malay world’s most treasured literary traditions.
Ruslan said the programme also strengthened BPHB’s partnership with Sarawak River penambang operators as custodians of a living heritage, noting that Malay pantun, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, embodies centuries of knowledge and social values that remain relevant today.
Meanwhile, BPHB group stakeholder relations general manager and Yayasan Bintulu Port chief executive officer Maslihah Haji Tioh said continuing the series reflected the organisation’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship.
“The Bintulu Port Pantun Series is more than a visual enhancement of traditional boats; it serves as a bridge connecting our history, communities, and future generations,” she said.
The unveiling marks another milestone in BPHB’s cultural corporate social responsibility efforts, reinforcing the role of the iconic penambang boats in preserving and promoting Sarawak’s living heritage during the Sarawak Day celebration.
