KUNAK: Radio Television Malaysia is currently documenting the unique culture of the Cocos community as well as their economic activities for its Anjung Bestari slot over TV1.
The recording, which started three days ago, is carried out in conjunction with the Info Bestari programme jointly organised by the 1Malaysia Community, Sabah Information Department and Sabah National Security Council.
“We have so far shot numerous footage including the production of cakes and cookies like the ‘kuih puding Kokos’ and ‘kuih lida’, integrated cow rearing and white prawn farming,” programme producer Raja Hasmariani Ismail said.
She said they also captured other cultural elements of the Cocos community such as marriage rituals, dances, social gatherings and traditional delicacies.
Various basic infrastructure facilities for the residents like schools and rural libraries were also included in the footage, she added.
“Residents here are friendly and cooperative and we are very pleased with the work we’ve done here,” said Raja Hasmariani.
The Anjung Bestari slot airs every Monday at 9.30pm and is rated TV1’s top 10 most watched programmes.
Kampung Skim Kokos Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairman January Lasnan said he and the residents felt honoured to have their village chosen for the programme.
He said being featured on the slot would promote Cocos traditions such as the Selong, Melenggok and Dansa dances as well as food like ‘gandus’ and ‘ulak-olik’ to the rest of Malaysia.
Sabah Information Department assistant director Harun Madasa said the 1Malaysia Community programme, which brings all government agencies to the field, is an effective way to disseminate information between the people and government. – Bernama