Located at Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol, Kampung Bintangor Kecil is one of the Malay villages in Kuching, which stores historical anecdotes and heritage of the Malay community in Sarawak.
Besides that, apart from producing Sarawak Malay leaders such as Datuk Ajibah Abol, Pengarah Moh, Datuk Abang Kassim and Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah, this village that was once called Kampung Segoleng, also witnessed the rise of the locals against the cession of Sarawak to the British.
I still remember my childhood memories, namely playing ‘gasing’ with friends, seeing the villagers taking a bath at Sungai Sarawak without worrying the threat of crocodiles as well as the most memorable experience of reciting the Quran with friends.
From primary to secondary schools, I also often stopped by my grandmother’s house after school hours as my schools were also located near the village.
Oh yes, there is another memory that I love the most – the joy of Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations in Kampung Bintangor Kecil!
Every year when Eid approaches, the whole village usually smells with curry, rendang, ketupat, lemang and other succulent fragrances.
Intimacy between families was also clearly seen during the mutual exchange of visits between them which is done to a lesser degree nowadays.
Arguably, almost all the neighbourhoods in the village are large and extended families, whose relationship is strong.
However, based on my observation, all these have changed as Kampung Bintangor Kecil has undergone significant changes in line with modernisation.
Most houses in the village have been replaced (from old Malay houses) to modern homes and the younger generations have also migrated to other places (to study, work and others) leaving the village to be mostly inhabited by the elderly.
Undoubtedly, though most of these changes are good, I hope that the community will continue to maintain the Sarawak Malay culture, which is full of good manners and customary heritage.
To make this a reality, we, as the younger generation, should also play our part by continuing to preserve the Sarawak Malay culture and heritage.
