The Murut Cultural Night, held in conjunction with the Irau Tupeh Padey (ITP) 2024/2025 festival, was a vibrant showcase of Brunei’s rich Indigenous heritage, drawing participants from Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak.
The night featured performances from the Lun Bawang Murut Brunei Association (PLBMB), as well as cultural groups from the Lun Dayeh Sabah, Lun Bawang Sarawak, and Persatuan Tagel Okolod Sarawak, all contributing to a night filled with colour, music and unity.
PLBMB President Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Tamin bin Tuah noted its historic turnout and overwhelming support saying, “Within just two days of promoting the event, all seats were booked.”
Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin was the guest of honour.
He also reflected on the importance of the night, especially with the presence of the guest of honour, the daughter of late Haji Tejuddin bin Abdullah Parang, the association’s first president and founder 43 years ago.
During the ceremony, several individuals from the Murut community were recognised for their achievements in education and contributions to the community, from corporate sectors to sports and entrepreneurship.
“The recognition aims to inspire the younger generation to strive for excellence,” said the president, adding that more recipients will be honoured in stages depending on the association’s capacity.
The Cultural Night marked the grand finale of the Irau Tupeh Padey 2024 programme, which included 10 sports events involving 1,421 participants between September and December last year. This year’s ITP began in August.
The ITP’s core mission is to foster closer ties among Murut communities and their culturally linked counterparts such as the Lun Bawang, Lun Dayeh and Tagel Okolod across Borneo.
The shared traditions, language and values make gatherings especially meaningful.
Tourism agencies from Brunei were also invited to explore cultural tourism opportunities.
The association has begun engaging with overseas travel bodies to promote Murut culture internationally. The evening concluded with a call for unity and continued support from the community in rebuilding the association’s long-unused multi-purpose hall. Community leaders including Murut Chief Ibrahim bin Timbang, Acting Temburong District Officer Hasan Baha bin Haji Umar and Director of Culture and Arts at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Awang Mohd Abdoh bin Haji Awang Damit were also present. – Fadley Faisal
