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Fatimah: Authenticity of Pesta Kaul must be preserved for future generations
Fatimah and other guests pose for a group photo after officially launching Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara.
MUKAH (June 2): The authenticity and cultural significance of the Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara must be preserved to reflect the true spirit of the traditional Melanau celebration passed down through generations, said Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
'If tourists want to witness an authentic Kaul festival, they should come and experience the Pesta Kaul in Mukah,' she said when officiating the opening ceremony of the festival today.
Fatimah praised the collaboration between the older and younger generations in ensuring the annual continuation of the cultural event.
'The involvement of both senior and upcoming generations ensures the continuity of the authentic Pesta Kaul,' she said, when officiating at the opening of the Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara today.
Fatimah congratulating the committee members for successfully carrying out the responsibility of continuing this cultural legacy.
Looking ahead, Fatimah proposed strengthening the celebration further by 2026.
'We can enhance the Pesta Kaul with more structured planning through discussions between local village committees (JKKK) and district office,' she said.
She stressed the importance of refining and elevating festival activities, showcasing the innovation and craftsmanship of the Melanau people, particularly in traditional raft-making for the symbolic Serahang procession.
To preserve the unique identity of Pesta Kaul, Fatimah highlighted the importance of traditional Melanau attire as a defining feature of the festival, and urged focus on traditions rooted in pre-Islamic and pre-Christian Melanau culture.
'The authenticity of Pesta Kaul must be preserved and passed down. The younger generation must understand its significance through oral storytelling competitions or written narratives about the Kaul,' she explained.
Workshops on Serahang making should also be organised to prevent the loss of this cultural craft, she added, while urging the community to safeguard their unity and cultural space against negative external influences.
In addition to the cultural aspects, Fatimah also outlined several completed and upcoming development projects under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) in Dalat, and emphasised the importance of education.
She noted that the government continues to provide substantial support for early childhood education, ensuring access to quality schooling for children in rural areas. fatimah abdullah lead Melanau community Pesta Kaul
