BY: Michelle Liew
The residents of Kampung Bukit Piatu continue their tradition which began 75 years ago, which is to use the beating of drums, kompang and flute to wake the residents up for sahur.
The beating of traditional musical instruments played by the ‘ketuk-ketuk sahur’ group can be heard as early as 4 am and the procession continues in every alley of the houses in the village.
Among the rhythms used include the evergreen song ‘Madu Tiga’ and ‘Ali Baba’ sung by the National Artist, the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee.
A senior citizen, Normah Senin, 67, said that the method, which has been their tradition for the past 75 years, is something to look forward to every Ramadan.
“Apart from us never missing out for sahur, the ‘ketuk-ketuk sahur’ brings the meaning of the joy of Ramadan celebration every year.
“I grew up in this village and this is the method used by people in the past to wake people up for sahur, but today such tradition is difficult to find,” she said.
Meanwhile, Norlila Kassim, 46, said the procession is a much better solution to help young children to get up for sahur.
“The children will come out when the group arrives in front of the house. They are excited to see this ‘traditional show’,” she said.
One of the drummers of the sahur percussion group, Nor Tamiz Jaafar, 25, said the event was always welcomed by the villagers.
“Although the sound of drums and musical instruments is loud, we have never been scolded by the villagers for disturbing their sleep, instead everyone welcomed our presence,” he said.
The chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) of the village, Ramli Awang said that the group includes about 30 residents of various ages
