KUCHING: The SAMArindok Cultural Performance of Sarawak Malay Culture 2026 Series II: Traditional Malay Poetry showcased Saribas and Kalaka heritage while reviving Sarawak Malay performing arts through a fresh, modern approach.
Organised by the Sarawak Malay Cultural Heritage Foundation (Amanah Khairat Yayasan Budaya Melayu Sarawak, AKYBMS), the programme was held at the Godown Amphitheatre, Kuching Waterfront, on Saturday (June 13).
The event featured lively and colourful performances by AKYBMS artists, drawing hundreds of spectators through creative traditional Malay poetry blended with storytelling and stage elements.
This edition highlighted historical narratives from the Saribas and Kalaka Malay Kingdoms, particularly through the characters Dang Umbok and Dang Ukok.
“The stories are based on research, translation and publication of Sarawak Malay manuscripts preserved in the AKYBMS repository.
“The SAMArindok programme also demonstrated AKYBMS’ efforts to revive Sarawak Malay performing arts heritage through a fresh approach that is closer to the community and able to attract audiences from various backgrounds,” a statement issued by AKYBMS said yesterday (June 14).
AKYBMS general manager Datuk Dr Sanib Said expressed hope that efforts to uphold and preserve Sarawak Malay cultural heritage will continue to receive support from all levels of society.
He also called on the community, especially Sarawak Malay arts practitioners, to continue working together to strengthen the state’s cultural ecosystem in line with the AKYBMS Strategic Plan 2015-2035, particularly under the Religion and Culture pillar.
He said such efforts are important in strengthening Sarawak Malay identity and enhancing positive cultural branding, ensuring that local arts and heritage remain relevant and are passed on to future generations.
For the record, the next SAMArindok programme is scheduled to be held on September 12, featuring SAMArindok Cultural Performance of Sarawak Malay Culture 2026 Series II: Pencak Silat.
AKYBMS also welcomes strategic collaborations to enhance the visibility of Sarawak Malay arts, as well as to preserve and revitalise traditional Malay performing arts so they continue to grow in line with contemporary cultural development.
