SANDAKAN: A hundred kompang players from five groups took to the streets of Sandakan on Sunday in the town’s first-ever decorated float kompang procession, marking a new tradition in the district’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
Organised by the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), the procession held from 2.30pm to 10pm across three routes, bringing the sounds of the traditional percussion instrument through the town centre, kampung areas and public housing estates.
The event was flagged off by MPS President Walter Kenson and Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee from Dataran MPS Sandakan, before proceeding to the Ramadan bazaar along Jalan Tembok and the Bataras bazaar at Batu 6.
The procession led by Walter then continued through Taman Rimba, Merpati, Sejati Walk bazaar and the airport area before the group was received at Kediaman Sri Libaran by Sungai Manila Assemblyman Hazem Mubarak Musa, where participants broke fast together.
That evening, Hazem flagged off the second leg of the procession from Kediaman Sri Libaran, marked by a fireworks display.
The route covered PPR Murni, the Eagle and Crocodile roundabouts, Jalan Sungai Manila, PPR Sungai Manila and PPR Muhibbah. The final leg ran from PPR Muhibbah through Jalan Settlement and Jalan Sungai Batang before returning to the town centre.
Walter said the event gave young people and participants an opportunity to bring festive cheer to the town centre, villages and residential areas through the harmonious beat of the kompang, while also bringing together communities from diverse backgrounds across the district.
He added that the procession is being planned as an annual fixture, alongside other traditional celebrations in the State.
Earlier this year, the MPS and several partner organisations and non-governmental organisations also organised a lion and dragon dance float parade during Chinese New Year, which drew strong local interest.
Hazem welcomed the initiative, saying events of this nature served an important social purpose beyond entertainment.
“Such events are also good as a platform to further nurture the unity that has long existed among the various segments of our community,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kumpulan Kompang Al-Furqan Kampung Sim-Sim participant, Sudirman Othman, said he was delighted to take part in the inaugural event.
“Our hope is that this event can be continued next year, as well as to nurture interest among youth in the art of kompang, while adding to the festive spirit this Raya season,” he said.
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