KUCHING: The organisation of the 40th National Independence Poetry Recitation Competition (SDPK) 2026 serves as an effective platform to strengthen the spirit of patriotism among Malaysians through the appreciation and recitation of poetry.
Director of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak Branch, Dr Azizul Ismail, said the initiative would also enliven the annual National Independence Month and National Language Month celebrations through poetry recitation.
“The programme aims to instil a sense of love and patriotic spirit towards the country through the art of poetry recitation.
“The competition is not merely about finding winners, but also about strengthening the spirit of patriotism, especially in conjunction with the upcoming Independence Month,” he said.
He said this during a press conference held in conjunction with the 40th National SDPK 2026 at the DBP Meeting Room here today.
Meanwhile, the state-level competition was held from July 1 to August 4, 2026.
A total of 17 participants from across the country will compete for the championship title in the competition, which will be held at Hotel Theatre tomorrow (Saturday, Aug.15).
“All participants competing at the national level will recite poems from ‘Antologi Sayembara Deklamasi Puisi Kemerdekaan Sekolah-Sekolah Menengah: Atma Berdaulat’, published by GAPENA in 2026,” he said briefly.
The champion will take home RM5,000 in cash, the SDPK Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Challenge Trophy, the SDPK Champion Trophy, accompanying prizes and a certificate of appreciation.
The first runner-up and third-place winner will respectively receive RM3,000 and RM2,000 in cash, along with trophies, accompanying prizes and certificates of appreciation.
Meanwhile, fourth to sixth place winners will each receive RM500 in cash, accompanying prizes and certificates of appreciation.
Finalists who do not secure a placing will receive RM300 in consolation prize money, accompanying prizes and certificates of appreciation.
The 40th National SDPK 2026 Dinner and Prize Presentation Ceremony will be held tomorrow evening (Aug. 15) at 6:30 pm at the Pullman Hotel.
The programme is expected to be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
