Phrases Of Heritage Pantun Adorn Sungai Sarawak’s Passenger Boats

By Anasathia Anak Jenis

KUCHING, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- An unique collaboration between Bintulu Port Holding Berhad (BPHB) and the operators of Sungai Sarawak passenger boats, known locally ‘penambang’, has brought a fresh tourism draw here, with pantun (traditional Malay quatrains) now displayed on the boats’ rooftops.

A total of 16 passenger boats at Kampung Boyan are now decorated with four quatrains each, an initiative by Bintulu Port to elevate pantun as a cultural heritage of the Malay people.

BPHB president and chief executive officer Ruslan Abdul Ghani said the collaboration began last year during the Sarawak Regatta, in recognition of the challenges faced by boat operators.

“We understand the struggles they face, as their livelihoods depend on ferrying passengers across the river.

“Our idea was to continue working with them by turning their boats into moving cultural canvases, adding both economic and social value,” he said in a speech read by BPHB group stakeholder relations general manager Maslihah Tioh at the launch of the Pantun Bintulu Port Series with Sungai Sarawak boat operators, here today.

The boats have been decorated with pantun verses carrying themes of unity, advice, and love for the nation’s heritage.

“When these boats travel along Sungai Sarawak, they not only carry passengers but also serve as cultural ambassadors, heritage billboards, and a casual yet impactful platform for education.

“More importantly, this initiative also supports the livelihoods of boat operators by making their boats more attractive to tourists and locals alike,” he said.

Meanwhile, boat operator Haili Birin, 60, told Bernama that he and other operators greatly appreciated Bintulu Port’s initiative to include them in the programme.

“This is the change we’ve been waiting for. We believe that the pantun on the roof of our boats will attract more tourists.

“We are grateful for this collaboration, especially since we also received cash assistance, which helps ease our burden in buying petrol.

“Just as close to my heart is the classic pantun, ‘pisang emas di bawa belayar, masak sebiji di atas peti, hutang emas boleh dibayar, hutang budi dibawa mati’ (with dates of gold we sail away, a ripe one on a chest we save, a debt of gold we can repay, a debt of heart we take to the grave), that’s how we feel about Bintulu Port,” he said, adding that the pantun would also help enliven the Merdeka month celebration.

A Bernama survey at the Kuching Waterfront found many tourists seizing the opportunity to ride the boats while also snapping photos of the pantun as mementos.

-- BERNAMA