MUKAH: Kaul Mukah is proof of the cultural resilience and heritage of the Melanau people that will not be forgotten even in the development phase.

Tellian Assemblyman, Royston Valentine said, Kaul Mukah is the most suitable platform for the Melanau community to showcase the heritage and culture of the nation which is full of its own uniqueness.

He explained that this festival also functions as an important catalyst for tourism in the Sarawak region.

“Today, we gather here not only to celebrate a party, but we gather to prove the cultural resilience and heritage of the Melanau people through the Kaul Mukah platform which we have celebrated every year for a long time.

“This event, which takes place from 19 to 27 April 2025, is more than just a celebration; it is the most suitable platform for the Melanau community to showcase its unique heritage and culture and at the same time serve as an important catalyst for tourism in the state of Sarawak,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Kaul Mukah 2025 Opening Ceremony, which took place at Pantai Kala Dana, here, on Saturday.

Present at the ceremony was the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts of Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who represented the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

Further commenting, Royston explained that this event is not only organised as a tribute to the beliefs of the ancestors, but also as an invitation to explore the way of life of the Melanau community.

“This festival is more than just an event, it is an invitation to explore the way of life of the Melanau community from the perspective of dance, food, games, clothing and various other things that are the unique identity of the Melanau community,” he said.

This year, Kaul Mukah has prepared a total of 24 activities which include official events, competitions, workshops, cultural performances, entertainment, exhibitions, sales and so on.

Royston explained that all these activities must be arranged around the identity of the Melanau people with efforts to uphold the cultural heritage that must be preserved as best as possible.

Also present were Sarawak Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Economy and Mukah Member of Parliament, Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Igan Member of Parliament, Ahmad Johnie Zawawi, Daro Assemblyman, Safiee Ahmad, Jepak Assemblyman, Iskandar Turkee, Mukah Division Resident, Datu Kueh Lei Poh, as well as other guests of honour. -UKASnews