An entourage with ‘seraheng’ (presentation of offerings) plying Sungai Ud in celebration of the ‘Kaul Festival’.
MUKAH: The annual Kampung Sungai Ud Kaul Festival can become the initial platform to expose and educate today’s youngsters on the culture and traditions of the Melanau community.
Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, who officiated at the event at the village’s community hall here yesterday, said Kaul Festival could become that first step towards that mission.
“As we can see for ourselves, the ‘kaul’ has been held every year since generations ago and obviously, it has undegone changes over time.
“However, those from the younger generation need to know about the meaning of ‘kaul’ in all its significant virtues. The festival is actually a platform for us to be thankful for our blessings, as well as to treat sickness and to keep it at bay,” she said.
According to Fatimah, who is also Dalat assemblywoman , one could liken the festival to a ‘family day’ where all members of a community – irrespective of age and background – would gather and make the atmosphere festive.
“Children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens can get together and have a great time through many activities being run throughout the festival. It’s about spending quality time and this, by itself, is a treasured heritage.”
Touching on other developments, Fatimah urged local communities, especially those in her state constituency, to register as voters for the next state election.
“We are very that Dalat would be among BN (Barisan Nasional) strongholds come the next state election. Therefore I urge the communities here, especially the younger generation, to register as voters as soon as possible,” she reminded those present at the festival, which was also attended by Dalat police district chief Insp Mohd Noor Ishak and Dalat District officer Kueh Lei Poh.