MUKAH: The Mukah Kaul Festival serves as a platform for the local community to improve their economic standing by showcasing and selling their products through community stalls.
Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said the community stalls were organised by the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) from areas around Mukah, Oya, Dalat, Matu, Daro, and Balingian, and also involved participation from the Chinese, Iban, and Bidayuh communities.
She said that these community stalls serve as a space to exhibit heritage arts, culture, and local cuisine to the public, allowing them to learn about and appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of the Mukah region.
“Therefore, the local community should take full advantage of this opportunity.
“We hope to see more visitors from outside the Mukah area attending the Kaul Festival,” she said in her speech during the Kaul Mukah Celebration Ceremony 2025, held today (Apr 27).
The event was graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, and other distinguished guests.
Meanwhile, Hanifah said that the Kaul Mukah Festival annually features entertainment events aimed at discovering and showcasing local talents in a traditional setting.
“This includes activities such as the Mukah Kaul Run, Si Cilik Talent Competition, Raja Umai Contest, Iseak A Melanau Cooking Competition, Teluwaih Jinih Beauty Pageant, Bidar Lukut Boat Race, and traditional singing competitions like Bermukun.
“Local craft workshops are also held, such as the making of Seraheng (a key item in the Seraheng Kakan ritual), Tapou or traditional food covers, and Bidar Lukut boats, offering both locals and visitors the chance to learn about and try Melanau community crafts themselves,” she added.
About the festival, she said it is held as a sign of appreciation and to celebrate the close relationship between leaders and the people, particularly the community in the Mukah Division.
