'BERCUCUL' TRADITION ILLUMINATES PUTATAN, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY TIES

By Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman

PUTATAN, March 19 (Bernama) -- As Syawal approaches, the flicker of oil lamps does more than light up home compounds, it awakens cherished memories and strengthens the bonds of community through the timeless tradition of ‘bercucul’.

The lighting of oil lamps, fondly known as ‘bercucul’, is a cherished tradition among the Kedayan and Brunei communities, lovingly passed down through generations, especially as Hari Raya Aidilfitri draws near.

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Here in Tanjung Keramat, this tradition was not only revived but also further empowered through an inaugural ‘bercucul’ competition held this year.

Jointly organised by the Putatan MP’s Office and the Tanjung Keramat State Constituency Office, the competition attracted an impressive 45 entries from seven villages, surpassing the original goal of 30.

Residents of Kampung Pituru emerged as champions in the ‘bercucul’ category, constructing an impressive mosque-archway structure using 280 to 300 oil lamps and bamboo.

Mazlan Maayud, 44, said the towering 15-foot-high, 30-foot-wide creation took a week of teamwork and dedication from a close-knit group of six.

“The design of this mosque arch is not merely decorative, we wanted to present something with value and meaning. We drew inspiration from the Nurul Iman Mosque in Taman Pantai Lok Kawi, which caught fire in 2016 as a tribute and mark of remembrance,” he told Bernama yesterday.

He added that the project became a shining example of the villagers’ gotong-royong spirit, uniting everyone in shared purpose.

“The joy was shared by the whole team. One village, one team, working together. It was truly festive and has further strengthened the bond between us,” he said.

Another resident, Ngarimon Sakip, 61, said the culture of ‘bercucul’ goes beyond mere decoration, it is a childhood memory steeped in the values of togetherness.

He expressed gratitude for the competition and hoped the tradition would be preserved so that the younger generation would always remember and cherish their ancestral heritage.

Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also Chairman of the Sabah Oil and Gas Development Corporation (SOGDC), shared his delight at the community’s enthusiastic response and the creativity on display.

“This is the first time such an initiative has been held, aimed at bringing more joy to the preparations for Syawal 1.

“The response has been very encouraging, with around 30 participants, proving the community's interest and support for this programme. I see it not only brightening the Aidilfitri atmosphere but also reinforcing the spirit of cooperation among residents,” he said.

Each Ramadan, the ‘bercucul’ tradition does more than illuminate villages, it stands as a glowing symbol of unity, connecting generations in shared celebration.

-- BERNAMA