Bermukun a Tradition Not To Be Forgotten in Sarawak

Bandar Seri Begawan - Despite advancements in modern music and entertainment, traditions such as 'Bermukun' are still very much alive and in fact gaining popularity nowadays amongst teenagers.
"We are in the process of establishing a group to further promote and encourage the younger generation to love traditional music," said Narudin bin Hj Ahmad from Kg Serasa.
The Awg Narudin group also comprises Hjh Siti Badariah binti Hj Othman from Kg Perpindahan Mentiri and Mariam bte Salleh from Kg Junjongan who join in to actively entertain their fans at wedding ceremonies.
Hjh Siti revealed that she started to become involved in 'Bermukun' in 1968 and because of such interests and her activeness she was invited by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through its Culture Section to perform in Japan during a cultural exchange programme.
"I was lucky and because of the traditional music I managed to visit Japan - a trip that was fully sponsored by the authorities," she remarked.
The group has also been invited by their fans to perform in Sarawak and Sabah to entertain guests at weddings.
Awg Narudin commented that traditional music and songs must be preserved so that they would not be gone nor forgotten in the future.
He said that in neighbouring states, traditional music is played not only by veterans but also the younger generation.
One of the 'Pemukun' or singer in question is a 14-year-old from Mukah, Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Awg Narudin also expressed his appreciation to RTB (Harmoni FM) for its active participation in popularising the tradition, especially through the radio