KUCHING: The people-orientated personality of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, was on full display during the opening ceremony of the Festival Gendang Sarawak 2025 (FGS 2025) on last night, when His Royal Highness personally checked on a performer who collapsed after completing a routine.
The incident occurred during the final round of the Gendang Melayu Sarawak group bermukun competition at the Kuching Waterfront, featuring teams Kumpulan Cenderawasih from Miri and Warisan Gemilang from Mukah.
A masked dancer from the Cenderawasih group fell immediately after performing, prompting a brief pause in the event as medical personnel provided initial treatment.
Sultan Abdullah, who was present at the ceremony, personally inspected the performer’s condition, demonstrating concern for the safety of participants and the smooth running of the festival.
Once the situation stabilised, the competition resumed with a performance by the Mukah group, which received thunderous applause from the audience.
Earlier, Sultan Abdullah and the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, arrived at 8pm, accompanied by Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Now in its 12th edition, FGS 2025 serves as a platform for federal–state collaboration to promote culture-based tourism in support of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) through the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), in partnership with the Sarawak government, the festival runs until 2 November as part of the Kuching Waterfront Festival – Sarawak Regatta 2025.
With the theme “The Heritage Value of Traditional Rhythms”, FGS 2025 highlights the Sarawak Malay Drums as its central feature, celebrating local heritage and the role of the arts community in preserving tradition.
JKKN director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris said Motac had approved RM1.2 million in grants under the 2025 Government Aid Grant Committee (JPBK) for eight cultural and arts associations in Sarawak.
Additionally, RM710,000 was allocated under the 2025 Cultural Sector Support Grant (GSSK) to 15 associations in the state. Motac has earmarked RM50 million for the GSSK this year, up from RM30 million in 2024, as part of Budget 2025 efforts to revitalise arts and cultural activities nationwide.
Key highlights of FGS 2025 include the Local Wisdom Seminar: Survival of Sarawak Malay Drums, the Sarawak Malay Drum Competition, the Kenyalang Talent Contest and the festival’s opening ceremony.— BERNAMA
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