Kampong Sungai Mau Recreational Park was filled with traditional music accompanied by cultural dances during the two-day Belait District Cultural Festival 2024, which began on Saturday.
Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, who is also the Kampong Bukit Sawat village head and chairman of the festival, said the event aimed to provide a platform to showcase the district’s traditional cultures and heritage.
“The festival is organised by the Kampong Bukit Sawat Village Consultative Council in collaboration with the Belait District Office, to introduce the district’s ethnic cultures to the younger generations,” he added.
He also said that the performances led by several ethnic groups presented an opportunity for the youth to witness and experience them first-hand.
“We hope that these performances and showcases will give the younger generation an insight into the importance of passing down the culture and heritage of our ancestors,” he said.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad officiated the festival’s opening on Saturday.
Cultural performances were led by the invited ethnic groups – Puak Dusun, Puak Punan, Puak Belait, Warisan Pelangi Belait District, Zhong Zin Hakka Union Association Brunei, the Mukun Selendang Sutera Brunei Darussalam and Limbai Sadaman Puak Kedayan group from Belipat, Lawas in Sarawak.
The minister also visited the 26 booths operated by members from village consultative councils across the Belait District, selling One Village One Product (1K1P), as well as small and medium enterprises in the Sultanate.
The first day of the festival saw invited ethnic groups showcase their cultures and roles in shaping the nation’s history at a dedicated cultural exhibition, from traditional dance and clothing to delicacies and cuisines. – Daniel Lim
