Awang Tengah: Essential to preserve Kedayan’s annual grand feast for future generations

MIRI (July 27): The ‘Majlis Makan Tahun’ or the Kedayan annual grand feast ought to be passed down the generations, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

“Through such cultural celebration, we not only reinforce our identity but also showcase the cultural diversity that exists in our multicultural country,” he said when officiating at the Majlis Makan Tahun 2024 for the Subis district-level at Kampung Bulau in Bekenu, near here today.

“Customs and cultural heritage are invaluable treasures as they reflect on the way of life, values, and beliefs held firmly by a community, and therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure these traditions are preserved and passed on to future generations.

The Majlis Makan Tahun is an annual thanksgiving feast celebrated by the Kedayan community before the new farming season begins.

The event, he said, is now no longer restricted to the Kedayan community but is also celebrated by all and has the potential to promote sustainable tourism development.

“When we attract visitors to see the local culture, at the same time, we are also educating the younger generations of their roots and origin.

“This is a good way of ensuring that our cultural heritage will continue to live on,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development Datuk Rosey Yunus; Deputy Minister of Youth Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Ripin Lamat and Deputy Health Minister Malaysia Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni.