Zapin Ginjat, Zapin Tanjung Selabu Recognised As New Variations Of Zapin Johor

MUAR, Sept 20 (Bernama) — The state government, through Yayasan Warisan Johor (YWJ), has declared two zapin dances as new variations of Zapin Johor, in a bid to preserve and promote the state’s cultural arts and treasured heritage.

State Unity, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said the declaration came 15 years after the last time a zapin variation – the Zapin Selat Panjang from Kluang – was recognised.

He said the two newly recognised zapin variations were the Zapin Ginjat, commonly performed in Parit Tengah Air Hitam, Muar, and the Zapin Tanjung Selabu, which originates from Kampung Tanjung Selabu in Bukit Pasir, also in the same district.

“The Zapin Ginjat is known for its fast, vigorous steps and is performed by men in pairs, accompanied by the strong beats of the marwas (small drum) played in a special pattern.

“The master of this zapin was the late Suhairi Adam, also known as Wak Turiman,” he said in his speech at the ceremony to declare new variations of Zapin Johor at the Pagoh Education Hub here today.

Meanwhile, Raven Kumar said the Zapin Tanjung Selabu, made popular by Kumpulan Sinar Harapan, features ten distinct steps, including Langkah Asas, Silang Gunting, Wajik, Anak Ayam, and Anak Ikan, as well as Jus Satu, Dua and Tiga.

He added that both dance types underwent a thorough process of study, documentation, and verification by heritage experts, zapin practitioners, and relevant authorities before being officially recognised as the new variations of Zapin Johor.

“YWJ believes that this recognition will not only reinforce zapin’s status as a distinguished tradition of Johor but will also create opportunities for research, performances, and dance studies within the community and educational institutions, making it relevant both locally and internationally,” he said.

Raven Kumar said that, as part of ongoing efforts to preserve the state’s cultural heritage, YWJ has organised district-level zapin competitions to nurture new talents and cultivate the next generation of performers.

He added that the initiative was also aimed at diversifying Johor’s cultural promotion ahead of Visit Johor Year 2026.

Previously, the state had recognised Zapin Tanjung Laboh (Batu Pahat), Zapin Tenglu (Mersing), and Zapin Sri Bunian (Kota Tinggi) as variations of Zapin Johor.

— BERNAMA

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