KUCHING – The 2025 Sarawak-level Zikir Duduk Competition has placed renewed emphasis on the preservation of Islamic cultural heritage, as the Sarawak Malay National Association (PKMS) opened the Borneo Marhaban Festival 2025 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre on Saturday.
The competition drew 12 teams from across Sarawak, each presenting traditional Zikir Marhaban performances before an audience of around 250 attendees. The morning session featured eight groups, while the remaining four performed in the afternoon.
The opening ceremony was officiated by PKMS President, Dato Dr Wan Ali Tuanku Madhi, who expressed pride in the association’s role in safeguarding Islamic traditions.
“This is not merely a vocal performance competition, but a commitment to preserve Islamic heritage and the cultural identity of the Malay community in Sarawak,” he said.
Dato Dr Wan Ali noted that PKMS has been instrumental in promoting marhaban competitions since 1989, before elevating the event to state level in 2023. He confirmed that the association intends to host the programme biennially to ensure its continuity.
This year’s focus on the traditional ‘Zikir Duduk’ format offered a refreshing perspective, particularly for younger audiences, as PKMS seeks to revive practices less frequently showcased on mainstream stages.
He also extended appreciation to the Sarawak Government, under the leadership of the Premier, for its continued support in preserving Islamic heritage and strengthening the cultural identity of local communities.
“Insya-Allah, this event will continue to strengthen unity, inspire love for zikir and selawat, and foster harmony among Muslims across the state,” he added.
The event featured professional judges, PKMS committee members, and enthusiastic participation from the public, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
The competition serves as the curtain-raiser for the two-day Borneo Marhaban Festival, which continues on Sunday with wider regional participation, including groups from Kalimantan and Brunei.
he festival aims to position Sarawak as a cultural hub for Islamic arts in the Nusantara region, highlighting the state’s role in preserving and promoting traditional practices.
The Zikir Duduk Competition not only celebrated artistic expression but also reinforced the importance of cultural continuity, intergenerational learning, and community unity.
By reviving traditional forms and providing a platform for performance, PKMS has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Islamic cultural heritage remains relevant and accessible to future generations.
