MUKAH: The men’s group category of the Pisak Tibou competition held at Tapak Kaul Mukah on Thursday (July 18) saw Tuju Nou Kala emerge as the champions.
This victory marked their second consecutive win in the competition, having also claimed the title the previous year.
Securing second and third place were the Gula Apong and Ged Kak Kureng groups, respectively.
In the solo female category, Anita Botong emerged as the victor, followed by Winne Wena Dominic Lai in second place and Moon Isnal in third place.
Siti Marsal and Isnany Harun took the fourth and fifth places respectively in this category.
Tuju Nou Kala received the Best Dressed award in the group category, while Siti Marsal received the same award in the solo female category.
Besterino Jang, an 18-year-old member of the Gula Apong group, was declared the overall Best Takek (jumper). Notably, Gula Apong was the youngest participant in the competition.
During the event, all winners were presented with cash prizes, trophies, and medals by Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine.
In an interview with our reporters, Boniface Bait, the Pisak Tibou Pesta Kaul Mukah 2024 competition organizing chairman, explained that pisak tibou holds a long-standing tradition and is considered a spirited sport by the community.
“It’s a customary Melanau game typically played during the Kaul Festival,” Boniface said. “The community gathers to play ‘pisak tibou’ after the rice harvest, which usually takes place from January to May.”
“During this time, ‘tibou’ is played in open areas, and people are in a cheerful mood. Young Melanau bachelors used to engage in this traditional sport to win the hearts of their ideal females. They would showcase their skills and perform stunts by swinging on the ‘tibou’ while singing various songs,” he added.
Explaining the rules of the game, Boniface, who is also the deputy president of the Miri Melanau Association (PMMi), stated that the players begin by climbing a set of odd-numbered stairs. Children or beginners typically climb nine steps, while those with experience climb 13 steps.
“They then jump and swing on a rattan swing rope suspended between two tall Belian poles. The players’ skills are evaluated based on their confident jumps onto the swing rope and the duration of their swings,” he explained.
Regarding the competition, Boniface mentioned that the second edition of the ‘pisak tibou’ event is organized by PMMi in collaboration with community leaders (KMKK) of the Mukah district and Persatuan Melanau Mukah, which also serves as the main committee for Pesta Kaul Mukah 2024.
He emphasised that the event aims to raise awareness of ‘pisak tibou’, particularly among the younger generation, and divert their interest from video and online games. The competition also aims to enhance the participants’ focus, and concentration, and cultivate a cooperative team spirit.
Boniface expressed his delight in the level of participation this year, especially in the solo female category. “Out of the ten ladies who registered, five reached the final round. We also received three entries for the men’s group competition,” he shared.
He also mentioned that a workshop was conducted to create rattan swing ropes before the competition. Additionally, all equipment used during the event was ensured to be well-made and safe.
Regarding the scoring system, Boniface explained that it involved counting the number of swings made within the given two minutes. The players’ confidence in jumping towards the swing rope also played a role in the scoring.
“If the swing is executed neatly and parallel to the belian (ironwood) pole, full marks are awarded. The best jumpers are evaluated based on their skill and confidence in jumping.
“Due to the nature of the extreme activities involved, participants must be at least 18 years old, and each group consists of five players,” he elaborated.
After the prize-giving ceremony, Royston took the opportunity to demonstrate his tibou-playing skills.
