SAMArindok enlivens Malay dance, music

KUCHING: The Sarawak Malay Cultural Performance (SAMArindok) programme, a vibrant showcase of Malay cultural arts, attracted approximately 100 visitors, including students, teachers, and the general public.

The event, organised by Amanah Khairat Yayasan Budaya Melayu Sarawak (AKYBMS), featured an array of performances deeply rooted in the Malay community’s culture in Sarawak.

The AKYBMS general manager Datu Dr. Sanib Said attended the event, held at Dewan Toh Puan Hajah Masniah, SMK Tun Abang Haji Openg here on Saturday night.

The evening began with a traditional welcome by AKYBMS cultural dancers for Dr. Sanib, his wife, and Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz, a member of the AKYBMS Board of Trustees.

The programme’s first segment delighted the audience with renditions of classic Sarawak Malay songs like “Sri Mersing” and “Santubong Negeri Syair,” culminating with the “Sarawak Puteri Dance.”

Joyful dancing together at SAMarindok closing event.

The second segment featured a dynamic pencak silat demonstration, a recitation of the “Menunggu Laila” poem, and the “Admiral Raja Dilaut” performance.

In the third segment, guests enjoyed the “Nopeng Kinek” Dance, the native Malay song “Lemak Manis,” and a drumming display by the Sri Buana Drum Group.

A highlight of the event was the interactive fourth segment, where audience members were invited to join the dancers on stage, engaging directly in Sarawak’s traditional Malay dances.