MUKAH: The ‘Salui Lukut’ Carnival is set to enliven Kaul Mukah 2025, featuring workshops on the making and simulation of this traditional game.
Previously, ‘Salui Lukut’ was only held as a competition during Kaul Mukah, but this time it will take the form of a carnival involving both crafting workshops and game simulations.
According to the Mukah Melanau Association (PMM) event coordinator for Kaul Mukah, Ardyman Matan, the carnival aims to document the traditional game.
“It will serve as a reference and guide for the Melanau community and for anyone interested in learning about this traditional game.
“With the organising of this event, we hope this traditional game can be preserved and sustained, so it may continue to thrive alongside modern games,” he said.
The carnival will begin with a ‘Salui Lukut’ crafting workshop on April 24 at the main stage of Kaul Mukah.
“On April 25, a full-day simulation of the ‘Salui Lukut’ game will take place. Visitors to Kaul Mukah are highly encouraged to try their hand at this traditional Melanau game.
“Meanwhile, the ‘Salui Lukut’ Boat Race Competition will be held on April 26 , with the flag-off to be officiated by the president of the Mukah Melanau Association, who is also the assemblyman for Balingian, Abdul Yakub Arbi,” he added.
For context, ‘salui’ in the Melanau Mukah language refers to boats, of which there are various types including ‘salui bider’, ‘salui jong’, ‘salui bua-gan’, ‘salui badong’, ‘salui bakong’ and others.
‘Lukut’, on the other hand, refers to a type of parasitic or epiphytic leaf found on trees.
It is also known by various names in other languages, such as squirrel’s nest fern, sakat laipang, ubi kayap, pakpak lawin, gurar, koi hin, ashvakatri, kabkab, kabkaban, and uphatkarul.
PMM has appointed the Saberkas Petanam Unit (YUSAPET), in collaboration with the Tellian and Balingian Youth, the Mukah Parliamentary Service Centre, PMM and Armada Generasi Warisan, to organise the carnival.
Those interested in participating in the ‘Salui Lukut’ Boat Race Competition may obtain the registration forms and terms of participation by contacting Ned (0134768643) or Aema (014888501).
The deadline for registration is 10 am on April 19.
A briefing and draw will be held on April 24 at 4 pm at the ‘Salui Lukut’ Race Secretariat Tent at Kala Dana Beach.
