KUCHING: The first ever dancing competition and Melayu Asli singing competition 2018 for district level is now open for registration.
Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the competition is organised by Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) together with his ministry in 12 districts.
“This competition is being held for the first time at the district level.
“It is one of our effort to uplift the heritage and develop our love towards culture and heritage in Sarawak,” he said in a press conference on the competition at Rumah Sarawak, Jalan Budaya here yesterday.
He added that Sarawak was rich in culture with its dance from various ethnic groups in the State.
“Each ethnic will have their diverse culture, foods and many more and it will be such a waste if we do not try to build up and showcase the dance, culture even if it is in the form of competition because by having competitions, you will be able to see a very refine dance,” he pointed out.
He also said that the competition aimed to discover new talents as well as new dances from the ethnic groups especially those living in the rural area.
“There will be two categories of the dance, namely Traditional and Ethnic Creative, and are open to everyone from the age of 15 years old.
“We encourage schools and cultural bodies who have dance unit to get involved in the competition,” he said.
On the Melayu Asli singing competition, Karim said that there were a number of fans of the Melayu Asli songs.
“There will be two categories of the singing competition, Men’s category and Women’s category which can be participated by the public aged 18 years old until 65 years old,” he said.
The competition will be held first at Dewan Suarah Limbang on 21 to 22 September 2018, Dewan Suarah Miri/Indoor Stadium on 28 to 29 September 2018, Dewan Suarah Kapit on 19 to 20 October 2018, Dewan Suarah Bintulu on 26 to 27 October 2018, Dewan Suarah Sibu on 2 to 3 November 2018 and Dewan Suarah Mukah on 13 to 14 October 2018.
Meanwhile in other districts such as Sarikei, it will be held at Dewan Suarah Sarikei on 16 and 17 November 2018, Dewan Kalong-Ningkan Betong on 26 and 27 October 2018, Dewan Suarah Sri Aman on 2 and 3 November 2018, Dewan Masyarakat Serian on 7 and 8 December 2018, Dewan Suarah Kota Samarahan on 14 and 15 December 2018 and Old DUN/Dewan Suarah Kuching on 21 December 2018.
As for the prizes, for the dance competition, first place will win RM2,000, certificate and trophy, second place with RM1,500, certificate and trophy and third place RM1,000, certificate and trophy.
For Melayu Asli singing competition, first place will get RM1,000, certificate and trophy, second place RM700, certificate and trophy and third place, RM500, certificate and trophy.
For more information, members of the public may contact the Rumah Sarawak at 082-425389 and Old DUN at 082-547565.
