BY IDA NADHIRAH
KUCHING: This is the time of year when the people of Kampung Segedup here celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri by lighting up their neighborhood.
Around the village, the majority of the residences are illuminated by light from oil lamps – continuing the tradition of ‘bertuntong’ although some decorate their houses which ornamental lamps.
Penghulu of Kampung Segedup, Haji Sulaiman Haji Awi, said the bertuntong tradition has been practiced since long ago.
“But there is a difference between the ‘bertuntong’ tradition of the past and now. Previously, these traditional lamps involved bamboo wickers with kerosene oil being used because it is easy to find and cheap.
“Nowadays, kerosene is hard to find. Only some residents in this village use traditional lamps,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
Towards this end he said some of villagers have also switched to modern lamps such as LEDs and solar power.
“With the availability of electricity, the houses which have installed modern lamps and modern lights, do bring about a lively atmosphere especially with the dawn of Eid al-Fitr,” he said.
He also mentioned that as a Sarawak Malay, this tradition should be maintained as it needs to be inherited by the next and future generation.
“This is because the new generation can also recall the nostalgia of the bertuntong tradition and enliven the atmosphere.
“My hope as Penghulu in this village is that the tradition of bertuntong is maintained. This is because the custom can brighten up and strengthen the relationship between the villagers especially during Hari Raya,” he said.
Meanwhile, one the villagers, 64-year-old retiree Zainudin Enjah said there is a lot of changes from year to year when it come to bertuntong.
“In the past, traditional lamps were used and nowadays, modern lamps are used.
“For me, this tradition is still considered relevant, the more technological advancement, the more sophisticated the modern lamp. It thus enlivens the atmosphere of the house on Hari Raya,” he said.
He also hoped that this tradition will be continued by the young.
“Decorate your homes to enliven the atmosphere of Hari Raya. The atmosphere of the village will also be lively with the presence of traditional and modern lamps,” he said.
As for Amran Tahir, a 42-year-old civil servant also said the bertuntong tradition is still considered relevant despite the passage of time.
“Everyone should play their part so that this tradition is maintained for future generations,” he said.
