KUCHING: The Sayembara Pantun Lakon Sekolah Rendah dan Sekolah Menengah 2024 competition is not only a platform to showcase talent but also an important medium to sharpen students creativity and critical thinking.
Utility and Telecommunication Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the competition that was held throughout September served as a platform to strengthen the love for the Malay language as the national language.
“The programme organised by the North Kuching City Hall (DBKU) started with the Sayembara Pantun Lakon Workshop on Sept 7, aimed at giving participants exposure to professional pantun writing and delivery techniques.
“Writing a four-line pantun requires critical and creative thinking. This workshop provided students with essential skills, boosting their confidence and promoting healthy competition.
“We are very proud of the encouraging participation, both from the primary and secondary school categories. This proves that the art of pantun is still appreciated and relevant among the younger generation,” he said.
He was officiating at the Launching Ceremony of the Anthology of Pantun Drama Collection Book DBKU City Library (Majlis Pelancaran Buku Himpunan Antologi Pantun Lakon Perpustakaan Bandaraya DBKU) at Auditorium DBKU, Bukit Siol today.
Dr Abdul Rahman revealed that the best works from the competition would be compiled into a book entitled ‘Buku Himpunan Antologi Pantun Lakon’, a move to preserve and professionalise the art form.
“This ensures that pantun continues to be passed down as a cultural legacy while elevating it to a professional level,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of North Kuching City, Datuk Hilmy Othman, said DBKU not only focuses on infrastructure development and public amenities but also cares about the education of children and future generations.
“We believe that education is the foundation of progress, and through knowledge and cultural awareness, we can produce a competitive and innovative society,” he said.
Previously, the competition saw enthusiastic participation, with 11 primary schools and four secondary schools taking part in the Sayembara Pantun Lakon Sekolah Rendah dan Sekolah Menengah 2024.
Dr Abdul Rahman presented the awards to the secondary school category (ages 13 to 17) first place winner SMK Demak Baru which took home RM800, a trophy, and a plaque.
Second place went to SMK St Thomas, which received RM500, a trophy, and a plaque, while SMK St Joseph came in third with RM300, a trophy, and a plaque.
In the primary school category, SK Rampangi emerged as the winner, taking home RM800, a trophy, and a plaque with SK Combined and SK RPR Jalan Astana were awarded second and third places, with prizes of RM500 and RM300, respectively.
A consolation prize of RM150 was presented to SK Merpati Jepang.
