MUKAH: Around 50 kilometres away from here lies the quiet village of Kampung Sekerang in Igan, where a tradition of over 100 years continues to be practiced.
This tradition, named ‘berlanggar meja’, which translates to ‘clash of tables’ and its purpose is to create unity among the different races in Sarawak
The Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr. Juanda Jaya, said that to preserve the tradition, the state government has allocated a budget to every village to host the tradition.
“We’ve maintained the tradition while adapting to current times. For example, in the olden days, the tables, the tents, and chairs would be prepared by the villagers. However, now we provide an allocation for every village to buy the chairs, tables, and tents. As for setting up the tents, arrangement of table and chairs as well as the preparation of food is prepared by the villagers themselves,” he told reporters during the ‘Berlanggar meja’ event at Kampung Sekerang, Igan yesterday.
Dr. Juanda, who is also Jemoreng assemblyman, said that the event is hosted by five villages: Kampung Baru Dagang, Kampung Baru Ismail, Kampung Pulau, Kampung Tengah, and Kampung Sekerang.
He also said that the event provides good exposure and education to the younger generation.
“Programmes such as these are a good manifestation of unity among the communities in Sarawak which unites, cooperative, and tolerant regardless of race and religion,” he added.
According to an imam, Mohd Nizam Naim, 35, the event, which commenced since the start of the Hari Raya celebration, is an epitome of the unique spirit of Hari Raya. He said that in the olden days, ‘berlanggar meja’ would happen twice a day, once in the morning and another in the afternoon.
“The men would prepare the tables and tents, and the women would cook in the kitchen. As far as I know today, Igan is the only place that still practices the tradition,” he said.
Over 1,000 attendees from five villages and visitors from Balingian, Matu, and Daro were present at the event.
