| Rokiah Mahmud |
DESPITE living in a rapid-changing world, the traditions and culture inherited from our ancestors must not be forgotten.
Speaking to the Sunday Bulletin at the Domestic Science Exhibition 2016, Datin Hajah Masni binti Haji Awang, Head of Fundraising Section for Pertiwi Association, noted that many of our youths today are passionate about baking and pastry making, however, not all are willing to learn how to make traditional Malay cakes such as ‘kelupis,’ ‘pais lamak,’ and ‘pulut panggang bingka.’
“If we do not expose them today, these youngsters might not know about our traditional Malay cakes. Therefore, as part of the initiative to enlighten them on these traditional food, Pertiwi is showcasing a number of traditional food that perhaps some are unfamiliar with.
“I hope this inspires the younger generation to learn how to make traditional food and cakes, ensuring they don’t go extinct,” she added.
Meanwhile, Welfare Body of Police’s Wives and Families (PEKERTI) members Pengiran Norlela binti Pengiran Haji Zulkifly and Pengiran Hajah Jabaidah binti Pengiran Haji Umar highlighted the need to preserve the art of folding the ‘Dastar’ (men’s headgear).
Pengiran Norlela explained that not everyone, especially youths, is familiar with how to make a Dastar. Many of them only see a Dastar during a wedding ceremony, when it is worn by the groom.
Pekerti members Pengiran Norlela binti Pengiran Haji Zulkifly and Pengiran Hajah Jabaidah binti Pengiran Haji Umar manning their booth.
Hensona anak Munah with her product display. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
Touring the Domestic Science Exhibition 2016.
Traditional cakes on display.
Pengiran Norlela pointed out that her Dastar-making knowledge was acquired from her aunt, Pengiran Hajah Jabaidah, who has years of experience in the art.
The pair creates Dastar for wedding ceremonies. They then came up with the idea of also offering mini Dastar, which customers typically purchase as gifts. Aside from learning the tradition, it has also generated an income for them.
Meanwhile, exhibitor Hensona anak Munah, who heads the Women’s Bureau of the Mandaram Besar Longhouse in Labi, spoke to the Sunday Bulletin about handicraft and woven clothes-making, which are popular among its members.
“We learnt the art of handicraft-making from our senior citizens. We then went on to promote them as our ‘One Village, One Product’ ever since 2007. We have received many orders, not only within Belait District areas but also from other districts.
“There is also public demand to learn about the handicraft. However, given the remote location of our area, negotiations are ongoing to find an appropriate place.
“We are also actively participating in expos to promote our products. Through this, we can get more exposure and meet new customers to sell our products,” she explained.
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