Grassroots celebrations vital for preserving community awareness of history, says Kalaka rep

SARATOK: Celebrating significant occasions at the grassroots level is crucial to ensure the community stays aware of its history.

This was exemplified by the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Kupang Hilir, which recently organised the Maulidur Rasul 1446 Hijrah and 61st Malaysia Day celebrations.

Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri stated that JKKKs need to be aware of major celebrations like Malaysia Day, National Day, Sarawak Day, Maulidur Rasul, Maal Hijrah, and others.

According to him, there are many other important days that are typically celebrated and should be extended to the grassroots level.

“These important days carry their own history and meaning.

“When celebrations are held at the grassroots level, indirectly many will participate.

“As a result, we can promote these significant days, and the JKKK, as the village administrators, must take responsibility for organising the celebrations to ensure the community remains aware of its history,” he said during the opening ceremony of the Maulidur Rasul 1446 Hijrah and 61st Malaysia Day celebration at Kampung Kupang Hilir 2024.

His speech was read by Kalaka Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Branch secretary Gapor Ahmad.

He praised the initiative of the JKKK Kampung Kupang Hilir in planning a comprehensive celebration.

“I understand they are celebrating both Maulidur Rasul and Malaysia Day simultaneously, both of which fall on Sept 16.

“Thus, they organised religious programmes such as a Maulidur Rasul lecture by Ustaz Abdul Halim Brahim.

“There was also a procession carrying the Jalur Gemilang and the national flag, fun activities, and colouring competitions for children.

“The needy were not forgotten. The distribution of the Jiwa Merdeka Food Basket to 20 needy families in Kampung Kupang Hilir was very touching.

“We were able to share with those in need. Congratulations to the JKKK Kampung Kupang Hilir,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Charity and Moral Education Organization Ji Yuan Shan She Saratok, chaired by Pemanca Lim Guan Ann, for supporting the Kalaka Assemblyman Service Centre to ensure the programme ran smoothly.

Mohamad reminded all JKKKs in his constituency to play their respective roles.

The Maulidur Rasul 1446 Hijrah and 61st Malaysia Day celebrations at Kampung Kupang Hilir 2024 kicked off with a Maulidur Rasul lecture, where many valuable insights were shared.

Among them was the preferred way to pray as mentioned by Allah SWT in Surah Al-A’raf, verse 56.

The following morning, over 100 residents participated in the procession carrying the Jalur Gemilang and the national flag.

The procession, which began at 7.30am, included children and their guardians from the KEMAS Kindergarten of Kampung Kupang and KEMAS Kindergarten Kampung Hilir Kupang NKRA.

It also involved Kampung Kupang Hilir residents.

Interestingly, the children were dressed in beautifully themed costumes for the celebration.

The residents marched while waving the Jalur Gemilang and the national flag around Kampung Kupang Hilir, covering more than 1km.

After the procession, various activities such as fun games and colouring for children, a penalty kick competition (for children and the elderly), a children’s costume competition, and a coconut bowling competition took place.

The coloring activity was participated in by all children from the KEMAS Kindergarten.

Twenty children also joined the penalty kick competition, with Ariq Darwisy crowned the champion.

The elderly category saw 16 participants, and Samsiah Kamar emerged as the winner.

The coconut bowling competition, which had eight participants, was won by the duo of Asiah Awie and Normala Raba’ie.

Kampung Kupang Hilir headman Jepri Johari expressed gratitude to those who made the celebration a success, especially the JKKK Kampung Kupang Hilir, the Al Nor Surau Management Committee, the Kampung Hilir Kupang Rukun Tetangga (Neighbourhood Watch Committee), and KEMAS Kindergarten.

“Thanks also to Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri and the Sarawak Baitulmal Fund (TBS) for their financial contributions.

“God willing, we will organise more programmes for the benefit of the entire community, with the hope that we will continue to receive strong support from the elected representative,” he added.

Among those who participated in the activities were Kampung Kupang headman Missis @ Isis Aris, Saratok District Council member Cr Aton Tar, former Kampung Kupang Hilir headman Osman Sep, and former Kampung Tengah Kupang headman Daud Terang.