| Daniel Lim |
RESIDENTS of the surrounding areas of Mukim Bukit Sawat and beyond, especially those interested in Mukun, gathered at the Bukit Sawat Carnival last night to witness the Mukun Festival Celebration held in conjunction with the 72nd birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
Held in the surrounding premises of the Sungai Mau Recreational Park, Bukit Sawat Labi, the festival was organised by the Mukim Consultative Council (MPM) of Mukim Bukit Sawat in collaboration with MPM Labi and Brunei Mukun Selendang Sutera Group.
Pehin Datu Padukaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Shari bin Ahmad was the guest of honour during the Mukun performances. He was accompanied by his wife.
Also present were Legislative Council members representing the Belait District Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin and Yang Berhormat Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, as well as mukim penghulus, village heads, MPM committee members and Village Consultative Council (MPK) members from the surrounding areas of Mukim Bukit Sawat.
Aimed at enlivening the surrounding areas of Mukim Bukit Sawat, the Mukun was one of the many activities held as part of the four-day carnival.
Secretary of the Mukun Festival Irwan Rino bin Nordin said the performances provided opportunities for Ulu Belait residents to experience the festive occasion held in conjunction with His Majesty’s birthday celebration.
He added that residents living in remote areas of the Belait District rarely have the opportunity to witness Mukun performances normally held in more populated areas. As such, Mukun performers from Miri, Mukah, and Bintulu, Sarawak were also invited for the Mukun performances this year to further enliven the surrounding areas of Ulu Belait.
With an ensemble of Mukun performers, the Mukun performances were broadcasted live via Harmony FM during the first hour of the performances. In addition, various well-known Mukun performers also performed during the event.
Quiz contests were also held with members of the public winning prizes. A comedy sketch by Hajah Kassumawati, better known as Dang Kassum, had the crowd in stitches.