SERIAN: The 19-member Armed Forces band from the 4th Regiment Armour Corps, Kem Penrissen, Kuching, stole the spotlight at Kampung Mantung Mara-u with a lively set that blended local pride and international hits.
Their set featured crowd-pleasers such as ‘Bekikis Bulu Betis’ – Andrewson Ngalai’s popular Iban song often dubbed Sarawak’s ‘party anthem’ – and ‘APT’ by Rosé and Bruno Mars.
Both numbers carried a distinct military twist, giving familiar songs a fresh sound that resonated with the audience.
Drum Major Warrant Officer II (WO2) Madzli Ibnu said the group had little time to prepare.
“We were given about a week, but with many other commitments, we only had two days of practice. Thankfully, each member’s expertise made today’s performance possible. Alhamdulillah,” he told the Sarawak Tribune.
The music drew claps, smiles and cheers, leaving the crowd with more than just a show but a memory of pride and joy shared with the soldiers who played it.
Originally from Sabah, Madzli has been with military bands since 2002.
After nearly 20 years with the 1st Armour, he was posted to the 4th Armour in 2021, continuing a career that has shown him how music connects soldiers with the community.
The band is no stranger to Sarawak audiences, often invited to state government programmes as well as community events.
Their performances at occasions such as the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025) and festivities in Kampung Santubong have built a reputation for versatility and crowd appeal.
Military bands have long been more than the beat of parades.
They represent discipline, precision and tradition, while carrying music into communities and giving the public a glimpse of military life beyond drills.
Behind every polished note is the reminder that these ensembles exist not just to perform, but to inspire and to honour.
