By Faizal Bujang
KUCHING: Efforts to promote and elevate local songs, especially in the Sarawak Malay dialect, need to be intensified.
This approach is not only the best way to keep this music from being lost to time, but also able to raise the popularity of songs.
To realise this, Persatuan Khazanah Warisan Melayu Kuching (Kwarisma), Persatuan Kami Simunjan Proper, Borneo Channel and Mentari Channel have joined forces.
Apart from being able to ensure continuity of the local community’s music, this effort is also seen to be able to enliven the entertainment industry.
“The high determination of these associations in fighting for this is a right step. These songs can enliven the local entertainment industry,” said Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris.
According to him, a combination of four well-known local musicians who call themselves Kumpulan JaLAN, successfully implemented several programmes in highlighting Sarawak Malay songs.
“Kumpulan JaLAN is made up of four well -known local composers, namely Jamalludin Sajeli, Abdul Latif Poli, Narawi Rashid and Zamhari Mostapa.
“They managed to produce several songs in the local dialect, including the language spoken by the people from the oldest district in Sarawak, Simunjan,” he explained, adding that among the songs that had been produced by Abdul Latif Poli were Jodoh Sik Ada, Asak Ati, Agik Ningas, Jangan Main Cinta Kamek and Reggae Rang Munjan.
Other songs included Ku Raon Munjan and Khazanah Alam (produced by JS Dean), Mbak Loan Kedirik and Kasihku Zarisa (Narawi Rashid) as well as Kawan Kamek, Pilu Di Pagi Raya and Selamat Ari Raya (Zamhari Mostapa).
Meanwhile, Abdul Latif said a more comprehensive effort in elevating Sarawak Malay dialect songs was needed.
According to him, based on historical facts, Sarawak Malay dialect songs had existed for a long time.
“However, the question is, to what extent are these songs able to survive and be able to stand on par with songs in other languages?
“So far, songs in the local dialect of Sarawak are still far behind compared to songs from other dialects.
“We have also organised an online competition (Tanding Belagu Dialek Melayu Sarawak) which received overwhelming response.”
Among the participants of the competition. 
