MUKAH: The Youth Bermukun Programme, held as part of the Sarawak Youth Day 2024 celebration, is an initiative by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) to nurture the talents of youth.
According to MYSED assistant secretary (youth division) Zulkarnain Ismail, youth participation in activities like bermukun helps preserve cultural heritage.
“We do not want the youth, especially in Sarawak, to forget their own culture, particularly the bermukun tradition.
“Alhamdulillah, during the Youth Bermukun Programme, we saw many youths trying out bermukun, and at the same time, they learned a little about the tradition.”
Zulkarnain stated this during an interview with reporters after the programme held at Kingwood Resort here recently.
Commenting further, he said this is the first time such a programme has been organised as part of the Sarawak Youth Day celebration.
He highlighted that various unique and innovative elements were introduced this year, including a new concept that resonates with youth and aligns with current trends.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Youth Icon 2018, Ahmad Qadri Basri, shared that the Youth Bermukun Programme is not merely for entertainment but rather an “edutainment”-oriented activity.
“There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from bermukun, particularly about customs, beliefs, courtesy and local traditions.
“The ‘edutainment’ concept made this programme more vibrant, enriched with new ideas, innovations, creativity and intellectual elements infused through the 5G approach – Growth Mindset, Global Networks, Glorious Tradition, Grateful Society & GoGreen Awareness.”
He added that MYSED has introduced various new ideas designed to attract youth participation.
Additionally, Qadri expressed pride in the involvement of Mukah youth, many of whom volunteered without expecting rewards.
He hoped the public would support and appreciate the efforts and hard work put in by the government.
With the theme of Beach Festival and Neon, Qadri dismissed weather conditions as a barrier to continuing the celebration as planned.
“The most important thing is realising the mission and vision of achieving our goals and challenging ourselves to step out of our comfort zone.
“Challenges are inevitable but what matters most is how we overcome them.”
Earlier, the programme featured three bermukun pairs from Mukah and Daro, further enlivened by drummers from Bintulu and Daro.
Also present was Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine.
