Maulidur Rasul: 80-year ‘Palak Kuih’ Tradition Lives On In Kampung Sebandi Ulu

ASAJAYA, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Each time Maulidur Rasul arrives, the courtyards of homes in Kampung Sebandi Ulu, located about 50 kilometres from Kuching, come alive with hundreds of trays filled with colourful cakes and traditional kuih to be shared among neighbours in the ‘tukar palak kuih’ tradition -- a heritage of more than eight decades aimed at strengthening ties from one generation to the next.

The age-old custom sees each family bringing at least one tray with a cake placed in the middle (palak), surrounded by an assortment of traditional kuih such as bahulu, peneram, kuih loyang and Sarawak layered cake, before exchanging them with others as a symbol of sharing blessings and unity, regardless of background.

According to Kampung Sebandi Ulu village head Jama Baylai, 50, this year’s highlight at the Kampung Sebandi Ulu Community Hall, joined by about 700 residents from nearby villages, symbolised togetherness and mutual appreciation among villagers.

“This tradition began in the 1940s… at first, there were only a few houses in the village, but now there are 186, so the celebration is vibrant with trays of kuih. Indirectly, it also creates economic opportunities as many order palak kuih from local makers more than a month in advance.

“This year, we held various activities during the Maulidur Rasul celebration, spread over two days. Yesterday, we had a doa selamat ceremony, selawat, zikir and a cukur jambul ceremony, while today we held a procession and the palak kuih exchange tradition,” he told Bernama.

The celebration, which began as early as 8 am, was enlivened with a one-kilometre Maulidur Rasul procession around the village, involving 21 contingents from different community groups across Asajaya.

For retired teacher Taher Ismail, 60, who has observed the tradition since childhood, preparations usually begin early, especially in ordering cakes and kuih for the event’s highlight.

“A month before Maulidur Rasul, we would already place orders with entrepreneurs who are also villagers. This tradition is not just about exchanging kuih, but also about strengthening ties, and the children look forward to their turn to exchange palak kuih,” he said.

A participant from Kuching who married a Kampung Sebandi Ulu resident, Nurul Nadiah Shafie, 33, said the cost of preparing a palak kuih is estimated at around RM200, depending on the design and selection of kuih.

“After marriage, I was introduced to this tradition because in urban areas like Kuching there are no such celebrations. It’s truly enjoyable because the bonds among villagers are very strong, with everyone exchanging kuih and socialising,” she said, adding that each tray could weigh up to three kilogrammes.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the residents of Kampung Sebandi Ulu should preserve the ‘tukar palak kuih’ tradition as a unique identity during Maulidur Rasul, distinguishing it from other villages in the area.

The assemblyman for Asajaya also stressed the importance of the younger generation continuing the tradition.

“We want the younger generation to keep participating so this tradition stays alive. It is not just an annual event, but a platform to strengthen ties, ensuring the spirit of sharing and cooperation is inherited from one generation to the next,” he said.

-- BERNAMA