SIBU: The traditional game ‘Itut,’ also known as ‘Tibau’ in the Melanau-Mukah dialect, will be a highlight of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2023, taking place from July 14 to 23 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said that ‘Itut’ stands tall at 43 feet and was last showcased to the public during BCF 2019.
“‘Itut’ has been a crowd-pleaser in previous BCF editions and is ready to showcase Melanau heritage as a unique cultural tradition,” he said when met by reporters after witnessing the erection of ‘Itut’ at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang yesterday.
Izkandar said the Sibu Melanau Welfare Association has been appointed to construct and manage the ‘Itut’ and the work began on June 28 with the help of approximately 20 volunteers.
“Preparations started more than three months in advance as we needed to gather rattan from the Tanjung Latap forest and wood from the roadside area of Kampung Banyok.
“After raising the Sarawak flag, ‘Itut’ was erected by members of the Sibu Melanau Welfare Association, led by chairman Councillor Abang Carrol Dris, with assistance from SMC staff Freddie Chua.
“The installation work is still in progress and expected to be completed next week,” he said.
Izkandar also said that the erection of ‘Itut’ marks the beginning of construction work for BCF, and the team will ensure its safety for everyone to enjoy the event.
“The public can try out ‘Itut’ for free after July 9,” he said.
