Sarawak Energy challenged to set another record feat
MIRI: Sarawak Energy has been called upon to take up the challenge of organising the longest Orang Ulu cultural performance to earn another entry in the Malaysia Book of Records.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, who made the call, said Sarawak Energy could incorporate not only Sape but also other traditional forms of performing arts such as the Datun Julud dance and a variety of traditional musical instruments of the Orang Ulu community made from bamboo, including Tung But.
“I would like to suggest to Sarawak Energy to organise the longest Orang Ulu cultural performance.
“I believe that if this can be done, it will create more interest in the arts and culture of the Orang Ulu community so that they can be known and recognised both locally and internationally,” he told The Borneo Post at Auditorium RTM, here on Sunday.
Dennis, who is also sits on the Board of Directors of Sarawak Arts Council, added that he believes the Sarawak government fully supports such effort as it fosters interest in traditional arts and culture among the present and future generations.
Earlier, he witnessed the successful attempt to enter the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the longest nonstop Sape performance at the auditorium.
Fifty-four Sape players, mostly from Baram and Belaga and including 20 trainees from the Warisan Sape Telang Usan programme, took turns to perform for 50 consecutive hours.
Dennis further commended Sarawak Energy for initiating the Warisan Sape Telang Usan programme in 2016, to train youths from Telang Usan in Baram in the art and skill of playing the Sape.
“Sarawak Energy’s effort in forming Warisan Sape Telang Usan has borne fruit, as those who have been trained are now playing Sape at higher levels, including in this Malaysia Book of Records attempt.”
Among those present during Sunday’s event were Sarawak Energy corporate social responsibility and sustainability general manager Jiwari Abdullah, and manager Augustine Supen Taja, Sarawak Broadcasting director Zainal Abidin Asri Abd Wahid and RTM Miri producer Jude Anye.