SIBU: Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu Branch will organise the Open Pekit Betabuh (Ngajat) competition on May 16 at Permai Lake Garden to promote preservation of Dayak heritage.
The programme organised by the SDNU Sibu Arts and Culture Bureau will take place at the Permai Lake Garden FoodCourt (Lakeside), Permai here starting from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm.
SDNU Sibu Arts and Culture bureau head, Anyie Angking said that organising the competition is an ongoing initiative of the association in preserving and strengthening the Dayak cultural identity, especially in the traditional music percussion art of Betabuh and Ngajat dance.
According to him, the competition is not just a field to compete for championships, but rather serves as an important platform to ensure that the heritage of the ancestors continues to flourish among the younger generation.
“In line with the theme ‘Neguhka Pesaka, Negapka Adat’, this programme places emphasis on efforts to maintain cultural continuity so that it does not fade away with the times,” he said in a statement today (May 3).
The competition is open to the Dayak community around Sibu with each group limited to five participants, comprising four musicians and one dancer, either male or female.
However, the team that won the Betabuh competition last year was not allowed to participate in this edition to give new talents a chance to shine.
The organisers are also offering generous prizes to the winners, with the champion taking home RM900 in cash, followed by RM700 for second place and RM500 for third place.
In addition, five other teams will receive consolation prizes and certificates of participation.
Interested members of the public can obtain entry forms at Dayun Cafe, Taman Selera Muhibah, Jalan Wong Soon Kai, near the Delta Mall area.
The closing date for entries is set for May 13.
Any further enquiry can be directed to Anyie at 013-8126382 or Sammy Dennis at 019-8278103.
In the meantime, Anyie also invited the public, especially Sibu residents, to come and enliven the event as a sign of support for efforts to uphold Dayak arts and culture.
“Let us come together to support and revive this cultural atmosphere for the sake of future generations,” he added.
