HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival Highlights Linguistic Heritage In Journalism
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- The HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival has successfully raised awareness on reviving Malay cultural arts, particularly within the field of journalism, says Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
She said the inaugural competition proved the ability of media practitioners to express current issues through the beauty of the national language while showcasing their creativity.
'I witnessed how the pantun (Malay poetic verses) exchanged were not only amusing but also highlighted current issues in their own unique style.
'It's no easy feat, as composing pantun requires skill and a deep appreciation for the language,' she told Bernama after the event at Wisma Bernama here today.
Also present were Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (News Service) Nasriah Darus, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (Economic News Service) Azlina Aziz, and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Language and Literature Development Department director Abang Haliman Abang Julai.
Commenting further, Nur-ul Afida said the festival was not merely a competition, but a platform to empower the nation's cultural heritage.
She said Bernama was committed to supporting efforts to strengthen the use of the Malay language in journalism and believed that such culture-based initiatives could bridge connections between the media, language, and society.
'I have discussed with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and expressed hope that the Pantun Festival can be continued next year as the second edition in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA), God willing,' she said.
Meanwhile, Abang Haliman praised the organisation of the pantun festival, which he described as capable of instilling deep awareness among media professionals regarding the importance of language and literature.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Welcome to 'Ombak Kitchen', it gives you the pleasure of having South-East Asian seafood cuisine in its own Asia way of eating-style
To catch everyone's attention, this restaurant tagline reads: 'Pakai tangan jer -- Just use your hands)". Interestingly, enough, it seems to the perfect motto for foodies when they visit the Ombak Kitchen restaurant. The well-liked and well-known restaurant first started in Bangsar and then opened up in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam and then Putrajaya. It has now moved to nearer to heart of Kuala Lumpur and aim to serenade the city folks with their seafood fare in Setapak (The Palette @ The Ark). Just sail through the restaurants premium cajun seafood galore for lunch or dinner, fit for any occasion and celebrations with your loved ones. And just like their motto just go through their food the South-East Asian way -- with your hands. In a previous interview with The Star -- Ombak Kitchen chief executive officer Sharita Loo said that the restaurant's concept aimed at offering families a place to get-together and eating without worrying about the mess they made. 'We want to make each visit fun, relaxing, enjoyable and satisfying for our customers,' said the 41-year-old entrepreneur. Indeed, just have fun and forget all else as you go through their interesting menus that offer different kind of crabs, prawns, octopus, calamari, mussels and many kind of sea food fare that is found in our region. "Explore a variety of our seafood offerings, from succulent crabs and luxurious Alaskan king crab to flavorful lobsters and more. "Whether it's lunch, dinner, or a special occasion like an anniversary or birthday, we can help create unforgettable memories for you family and friends in our cozy, rustic setting— without burning a hole in your pocket," said Setapak branch manager Muzamal Bakri. "For the perfect finale, treat yourself to Ombak Kitchen's Sweet Temptation — an irresistible ending to your seafood feast. We promise it will be a wholesome meal that you will not forget." By far, the aromatic Cajun-style dishes with a touch of Malay and Indian style setting with fresh seafood in a homely setting is wooing people to Ombak Kitchen in Setapak. It seems to a favourite in a very cosy setting in the heart of the city. Their speciality sauces including - Ombak Hot Cajun Sauce, Dark Chilli Chocolate Sauce and Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce - are available to go with the seafood offering that comes in three types -- mild, medium and very spicy. "I would like to add our sauces are our greatest speciality. It has been prepared by our chefs and the tastes are very unique. All our sauces are done by our chefs and this is what makes a very special offering for our diners," sais Muzamal. The restaurant's special seafood combo also offers very special treat for 2-3, 3-4 and also family fare groups. It delivers a superb mixture of all kind of seafood delicacies mixed with many types of vegetable fare with their own special choice of sauces. Just the perfect for a group outing. An irresistible seafood feast that foodies will surely savour. "At the end of the day, we just want our customers to enjoy the forget the food, forget their daily fares and go home happy and contended. It is a believe that has helped this chain to grow in our other outlets. "This restaurant here (in Setapak) opened up in September last year. Our chef and our workers are committed to this belief and we hope KL-ites in the centre of town will now enjoy our happy offerings and return to enjoy our hospitality time and again," added Muzamal. "We promise our customer it will be one-of-a kind eating experience and wholesome fare." Well in short this food chain is very committed in 'sharing happiness' with their food fare and it is now for the foodies to go and try their offerings that comes with reasonable pricing for all kind of occasions.
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Royal regalia reflect cultural legacy
HIS Majesty Sultan Ibrahim may now serve as King of Malaysia but his Johorean roots remain firmly woven into royal protocols, attire and traditions that set him apart from his predecessors. In Malay royal traditions, regalia are not just ornaments but 'instruments of authority' and symbols that convey a Ruler's source of power and sovereign rule. Johor Council of Royal Court president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Ramli said each Malay Ruler has his own set of regalia reflecting the customs of his state. 'Royal regalia are instruments of authority, meaning that they exhibit the source of power of the Ruler. Each state Ruler has his own regalia, including Sultan Ibrahim, as His Majesty is also the Johor Ruler. 'However, there are subtle differences between his state regalia and that of the federal throne as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,' he told The Star in an interview. As the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim's official ceremonial dress is known as the Muskat, complete with a royal headdress, buckle and short dagger, which are part of the royal regalia. The Muskat is a long, black robe adorned with golden embroidery and its design is inspired by the traditional outfits of the people of Oman and Kedah's baju sikap – the official dress of the state officials. His Majesty often dons the uniform of the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces at official events, reflecting his military background. — Photos from Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page The King also wears a royal headdress known as Tengkolok Diraja, made of black songket embroidered with gold thread, complete with a royal buckle and keris. Affixed at the front of the royal headdress is a platinum ornament in the shape of a crescent and a 14-pointed star with Malaysia's coat of arms in the centre. Abdul Rahim pointed out that there are subtle contrasts between federal and Johorean royal traditions in attire. 'Although His Majesty's forefather Sultan Abu Bakar designed the baju Melayu teluk belanga, that attire is not used as the official ceremonial uniform. 'With Johor being a modern state, Sultan Ibrahim wears a tunic and military cap. His Majesty also carries a sword instead of a keris due to his military background,' he explained. As the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Sultan Ibrahim is also often seen wearing a variation of ceremonial dress representing different branches of the army, police or the Johor Military Forces, complete with berets. In terms of royal regalia, there are similarities and differences in the federal and state instruments. The royal regalia of the Agong includes two royal sceptres known as Cogan Alam (Sceptre of the Universe) and Cogan Agama (Sceptre of Religion). Cogan Alam, a silver mace measuring 162.66cm, is headed with an orb on which a crescent and a 11-pointed star made of gold are surmounted, symbolising Islam as the main religion of the country. The orb is decorated with the crests of the 11 states in the peninsula. These are also made of gold and supported by four tigers symbolising national bravery. The shaft features six stalks of paddy carved in gold. Meanwhile, the Cogan Agama is 155.04cm long and made of silver. The item consists of a large, conical head with a five-pointed star made of gold mounted on a long shaft. Quranic verses are embossed on the headshaft. Abdul Rahim noted that Johor's royal regalia also includes the Sceptre of Universe, marked by a crescent and star symbolising Islam, while the Sceptre of Religion has a head shaped like a betel leaf with the names of Allah and Prophet Muhammad written in Jawi. 'One key distinction since Sultan Ibrahim ascended the federal throne is the use of royal umbrellas. Previously, the kings were shaded with a yellow umbrella during ceremonies and the inspection of guards. 'But since Tuanku became Agong, this practice has stopped. In Johor, royal umbrellas are always closed as His Majesty feels that an unfurled umbrella creates distance between the Ruler and the people. He wants the people to feel close to him, true to the saying of rakyat dan raja berpisah tiada (the people and the king are inseparable),' he added. In another departure from conventional federal protocol, the practice of angkat sembah, where both palms are held together at the forehead to salute or greet the king, is no longer done. 'A simple bow is sufficient,' said Abdul Rahim, citing a long-standing Johor tradition that avoids hand clasping. Other differences can be seen in the royal court music – Istana Negara uses nobat while Johor relies on its military brass band for ceremonies and royal functions, another reflection of its modern roots. Even colour schemes at the federal palace have changed since Sultan Ibrahim's reign. Previously, yellow was the dominant colour at Istana Negara as it is traditionally linked to royalty. 'In Johor, blue is associated with the royal family as it reflects the colours of the state flag. Now, the carpets at the palace in the capital city have been changed to blue in a firm nod to Johor's identity,' he said. As someone who has served five generations of the Johor royal family – from Sultan Ismail to the present Raja Muda of Johor Tunku Iskandar (first son of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail) – Abdul Rahim said Sultan Ibrahim ensures Johor's traits are maintained even when His Majesty is the King. 'These are subtle but meaningful differences,' he added. While the regalia and royal customs may differ between federal and state, what remains constant is His Majesty's love for Johor and commitment to serving the people, both as their state Ruler and as King of Malaysia.
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Expo 2025 Osaka: 'Flying Roti Canai' draws long queues at Malaysia Pavilion
Roti canai maker Muhammad Muiz Ruzaini, 24, demonstrates the art of flipping 'flying roti canai' at the Malaysia Pavilion Cafe during Expo 2025 Osaka. – Bernama photo OSAKA (June 2): The 'Flying Roti Canai' has quickly become a crowd-puller at Expo 2025 Osaka, drawing visitors to the Malaysia Pavilion with its skilful preparation and the irresistible buttery aroma wafting through the air. The sight of roti canai being expertly tossed high into the air by Muhammad Muiz Ruzaini and Mohamad Zul Imran Zulkifle, combined with the tempting aroma, has whetted the appetites of visitors. Some are willing to queue for up to two hours. Muhammad Muiz said he did not expect to be selected as part of the Malaysian delegation to Expo 2025 Osaka, where he would showcase the rich flavours of Malaysian cuisine on the world stage. What makes the experience even more rewarding is the overwhelming response from visitors, said the Kedahan. 'Many praised the deliciousness of the roti canai and gave very positive feedback, both in terms of taste and our presentation. 'After they ate, many would come up and say 'oishī' (delicious). Some even repeated it seven times,' he said, adding that most of the visitors were from Japan, South Korea and China. The freshly made roti canai, served with chicken curry and dhal, is priced at 1,680 yen per serving. Daily sales average between 1,000 and 1,600 pieces, underscoring its growing popularity among visitors from Japan, South Korea, China, and beyond. Roti canai is a pan-fried flatbread that is a popular breakfast choice in Malaysia, made from a mixture of flour, water, salt, butter and eggs. The dough is skillfully stretched, flipped and spun in the air to create a layered texture – crispy and flaky on the outside but soft on the inside. In 2023, TasteAtlas, a global food database, ranked roti canai among the 'Top 100 Best Street Foods in the World'. Meanwhile, Mohamad Zul Imran, a roti canai maker from Penang, expressed hope that the growing popularity of roti canai at the Expo would help elevate it on the global culinary map and inspire more tourists to visit Malaysia. 'I hope the Malaysia Pavilion roti canai becomes the number one dish at Expo 2025,' he said. Japanese visitor Yoko Yoshinaga described the dish as 'sweet, had a unique texture, and addictive'. 'This is my second time having roti canai. I first saw it on X (formerly Twitter), and the unforgettable taste brought me back. I lined up again just to relive the experience,' she said. Yoshinaga, who visited Malaysia 30 years ago, praised the nation's development, calling it a peaceful and modern country. Another visitor, Hanako Sekimukai, who tried roti canai for the first time, said she was pleasantly surprised by its flavour. 'I've been to Malaysia before, but I never had the chance to try roti canai. The chicken curry served with it wasn't too spicy, which made it even more enjoyable,' she said, adding that the cultural performances at the pavilion brought back fond memories of her time in Malaysia. Located on a 2,654.52-square-metre site across three floors, the Malaysia Pavilion reflects the nation's diverse culture and dynamic economy. Under the theme 'Weaving a Future in Harmony', the pavilion highlights Malaysia's commitment to a sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking future. – Bernama Expo 2025 Osaka lead local food Malaysia Pavilion roti canai
