MEDIA PRACTITIONERS INVITED TO JOIN HAWANA-DBP 2026 PANTUN FESTIVAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Local media practitioners from across the country are invited to take part in the HAWANA-DBP 2026 Pantun Festival, organised in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration to promote creativity and the beauty of pantun among members of the media.

According to a media statement issued by the HAWANA 2026 Secretariat today, registration is open until March 6, and the competition is open to all local media practitioners, with entries to be submitted in groups of four participants.

The second edition of the competition is jointly organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) following the encouraging response to the inaugural event last year.

HAWANA 2026 project director Mohd Shukri Ishak said the programme aims to foster the spirit of unity through team-based competition, while preserving and expanding the pantun art form as a treasure of traditional Malay poetry and national heritage.

“Pantun is the oldest traditional Malay poetry passed down through generations in Malay culture, reflecting character and the beauty of the language.

“Through this Pantun Festival, journalists elevate it as a form of wisdom in conveying messages in our role of nurturing positive thinking, culture and manners in national development,” he said.

Mohd Shukri, who is also deputy editor-in-chief of Bernama News Service, said the final is scheduled to be held on May 9, and attractive prizes await the winners.

The champion will take home RM3,000 along with a trophy and certificate of participation, followed by the runner-up with RM2,000 and third place with RM1,000, each also receiving a trophy and certificate.

In addition, several other prizes are on offer, including the Special Award for Best Pantun Narrator.

Media practitioners who are interested may contact Ziana Nasir at 011-5754 0939 for further enquiries and registration.

-- BERNAMA