27-04-2025
Leaders, community celebrate spirit of ‘berambeh' at Kaul Mukah
Wan Junaidi offers his wife to sample a Melanau delicacy at one of the festival booths. Looking on, from the Head of State's right, is Len Talif. – Ukas photo
MUKAH (April 28): The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi graced the 'Majlis Keman Kaul Mukah 2025' yesterday.
Their arrival at 10.35am was welcomed by Deputy Economy Minister and Mukah MP Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib and Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine.
The Head of State and his wife, who were accompanied by Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, were treated to a traditional Melanau dance performance before they interacted with the local community at the 'kaul' (gathering) site in Pantai Kala Dana.
Among the other dignitaries present were Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Sarawak Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department (Coordinator for Regional Development Agency, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Igan MP Ahmad Johnie Zawawi, and Mukah Resident Datu Kueh Lei Poh.
According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the dignitaries' procession was accompanied by the 'seraheng' – a symbolic tradition marking the start of the Kaul celebration.
The term 'Keman,' which translates to 'to eat,' symbolises the spirit of communal dining or 'berambeh', emphasising unity and closer ties between Sarawak leaders and the Mukah community.
During the ceremony, Wan Junaidi also presented awards to winners of the Kaul Mukah 2025 Community Booth Competition and later, toured the booths and exhibition stalls.
Meanwhile, in her remarks, Hanifah said the festival's sales stalls provided a valuable opportunity for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products to a broader audience.
'This is an excellent chance for the local community to fully benefit, particularly by attracting more visitors from outside Mukah to the festival.
'Moreover, the event provides a meaningful platform for fostering stronger bonds and unity between leaders and the community.
'The Keman Kaul ceremony symbolises appreciation and celebrates the strong ties between leaders and the people, particularly within the Mukah community,' she said. community Kaul Mukah lead Melanau Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
