MIRI: The Kedayan tradition of ‘Makan Tahun Perdana’ (annual grand feast) will be celebrated on a bigger scale next year.
According to Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat, who is also chairman of Kedayan Sibuti Association, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had agreed to make ‘Makan Tahun Perdana’ included in the state’s tourism calendar from next year.
“This is a privilege for us and the experience of organising this festival is meaningful to our members. Also, there is still so much to learn.
“It is my hope that next year’s programme will be more robust, and I believe a seminar to enhance the committee members’ skills in event management is also something that we can look forward to in order to oganise the event next year,” he said at the ‘Makan Tahun Perdana’ appreciation dinner here recently.
The Makan Tahun Perdana, held on Nov 17 and 18 at Kampung Danau, Bekenu, was attended by about 2,000 Kedayans from Sabah, Labuan, Brunei, Bintulu, Lawas, Limbang and Miri apart from residents of 14 Kedayan villages in Bekenu. It’s a thanksgiving event celebrated by the Kedayans in appreciation of a bountiful rice harvest.
Subis District Officer Husini Bakir, Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini and Majenah Lass from Miri Resident Office, and Pemanca Ali Mudin were also present at the dinner.