MUKAH: Forty badminton players from Brunei Darussalam participated in badminton matches in this fast growing town from April 27 to 29. Led by their former Education Minister and Development, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Ahmad Jumat and Datin Hajah Masnah Haji Tuah, the group held the matches with the team from Mukah District Sports, Culture and Education Services Association, PSKPP Mukah.
According to the team manager, Haji Ahmad Haji Abdul Razak, besides the matches they were also in this Umai Town of Mukah to witness the Melanau’s annual festival, Mukah Kaul 2018.
“Most of the players with us are former government servants, senior corporate members and some of the young players, especially among the family members. So it is a memorable outing for us,” he said. He added that their delegation travelled with 11 vehicles and stayed at Kingwood Hotel, here.
“We received a warm welcoming gesture from PSKPP Mukah led by Mukah District Education Office sports supervisor, Kueh Peng Choon and were entertained to a fellowship dinner at Fatma Café & Catering,” he said. Ahmad said their main objective to hold the friendly matches was to enhance the cordial relationship between the two nations – Brunei and Malaysia.
“At the same time, we obtain a valuable experience, especially on the local culture, customs and the life of the Malay Melanau, especially those that were portrayed in the Kaul Festival,” he added Meanwhile, the friendly matches comprising 8 men’s doubles, 5 women’s doubles and 5 mixed doubles were held at Mukah Indoor Stadium.
The team from Brunei were cal led Pasukan Bulutangki s Dewan 2 Lambak Kanan Brunei Darussalam. Ahmad thanked PSKPP for the warm reception as Mukah celebrated its biggest festival, Kaul Mukah.
“To win or lose is of little matter, what is of utmost importance is the spirit of friendship and family and to know the culture and customs of the peoples of Mukah. “Moreover, about 75 percent of our delegation from Brunei were here for the first time. We are very happy to be here, not only to have friendly matches but also to witness the uniqueness of Kaul Festival,” he said.
