12 teams vie for ‘bermukun’ competition at Sarawakiana Carnival

MIRI: Twelve teams have signed up for the ‘Bermukun’ Competition organised by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri as the highlight of the fourth Sarawakiana Carnival from May 5-7.

They will be competing this Friday (May 5) to secure a spot for the finals to be held the next day.

According to the library’s public relations officer Sofina Tan, this year, there will be two categories in the competition: Adults and Youth (18 years old and below).

For Adults, each team comprises four persons who will be doing both the ‘ tandak’ (dance) and ‘ bergendang’ ( drum beating) whereas in the Youth category they will compete in the ‘tandak’ showdown against the appointed ‘mak gendang’.

“The public are invited to witness the competition, particularly the younger generation, for exposure to this unique and beautiful traditional performance,” Tan said in a statement yesterday.

The carnival to promote the cultures and heritage of Sarawak is organised jointly with Miri City Council ( MCC) to commemorate Miri City’s 12th anniversary and Miri May Fest 2017.

It will be held for three days starting as early as 8am daily in the vicinity of the library.

There will be competitions in Kayan Tekna’ Traditional Singing, Yesteryears Games & Sports, Youth Traditional Talentine as well as Sarawak Traditional Cooking & Dish Arrangement.

There will also be food, products and service booths featuring 29 cottage industry entrepreneurs.

Piasau Assemblyman Dato’ Sebastian Ting is expected to officiate at the event at 7.30pm on Saturday ( May 6) with the finals of the Bermukun Competition as the highlight.

The first Sarawakiana Carnival in Miri City held six years ago in 2011 drew 3,000 visitors while last year’s event drew more than 4,000 visitors from Miri, Bintulu, Limbang, Lawas, Labuan and Brunei Darussalam.

Those interested to participate can get in touch with the organisers at 085- 422525 (Ahmad Samsudin / Awang Yunos Awang Husain), visit Pustaka’s website www. pustaka- sarawak. com or Facebook pustaka. sarawak | Instagram pustakaswk for updates.