Bertandak Gendang Melayu competition seen as key to preserving Sarawak Malay heritage

KUCHING (Jan 4): The Bertandak Gendang Melayu Sarawak competition, held in conjunction with the Beladin Countdown 2026, has been hailed as an important platform for preserving Sarawak Malay arts and culture, said Beting Maro assemblyman Dato Razaili Gapor.

He said the competition, held on Saturday in Pusa, also aimed to introduce Sarawak’s “bertandak” (dance) and “gendang” (drum) traditions to other communities.

“These arts must be preserved as they are a valuable cultural heritage of the Sarawak Malay community,” he said according to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).

He noted that competitions centering on cultural and traditional heritage can help continue to promote Sarawak as a united and harmonious state.

“Competitions such as these also foster positive responses from local communities,” he added.

In this regard, Razaili urged the continued organisation of such programmes as they could deepen communal ties.

Meanwhile, Rentak Warisan Semarang was crowned champion in the Bertandak Children’s Pair category, followed by Warisan Beladin in second place and Khazanah Beladin in third.

In the adult category, Seni Warisan clinched first place, followed by Selendang Mayang in second and Lenggok Tradisi in third.