KUALA LUMPUR – Mek Mulung, a cultural performance presented for farmers and villagers in Kedah, has been included in Unesco’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
This decision was made at the 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage being held in Kasane, Botswana, from December 4 to 9.
The Mek Mulung is among the six intangible heritage elements on the list this year, bringing it to a total of 82 items that “require urgent measures to keep alive”.
A listing like this helps to mobilise international cooperation and assistance for stakeholders to undertake appropriate safeguarding measures.
Mek Mulung is closely associated with the community in Kg Baru, Wang Tepus, and is traditionally presented as a form of entertainment for farmers after long hours in the field as well as an expression of gratitude after a good harvest.
In the past, Mek Mulung brought the community together for meals and other interactions in honour of the performers, musicians, guests, and villagers – during and before the performance.
Today, it is also performed during special ceremonies and events.
Currently, there is only one remaining group performing Mek Mulung – the Wang Tepus Mek Mulung Group – that traces its origins to 400 years ago.
This art was passed down through generations of performers who have the same family lineage.
The group consists of only male performers who take on female characters, such as the princess and the maid, as it was a norm in the old days to assume that women were busy with their daily commitments to the family.
The term “Mek Mulung” likely refers to the origins of the performance – “Mek” refers to young women, while “Mulung” refers to the jungle from where it originates.
It is believed that Mek Mulung originated from Legor in Siam (Thailand), from where it made its way south to Kedah.
Mek Mulung was first introduced in Paya Kelubi, Kedah, then in Kg Perik, Kurung Itam, which is in the Kuala Nerang district. Subsequently, the show expanded to Kg Mulung Belukar, Kg Paya Keladi, and finally to Kg Wang Tepus in Jitra – where it has survived to date.
The current generation of practitioners, the contemporaries of the late Mek Mulung master Pak Saad Taib, are ageing, and there is little interest amongst their heirs or younger members of the family to continue the tradition.
Currently, in an effort to keep the art alive, several universities are teaching Mek Mulung, while some non-government organisations are doing their part to promote the cultural performances via workshops. The courses and workshops are inclusive and include both men and women who have an interest in the art.
Mek Mulung is an art that combines acting, singing, dance, and musical compositions.
The troupe usually comprises between 15 and 20 people, and the performance is accompanied by musicians and singers in the background. The music ensemble consists of four frame drums, kecerek (a pair of bamboo concussion clappers), serunai and gong.
The Mek Mulung performance begins with an introductory song called Bertabuh, which consists of the blowing of a flute, followed by other musical instruments. It is considered a tribute to the audience and a way to draw their attention to the starting performance, which begins as soon as the salutation song is completed.
The main characters in the Mek Mulung are the king (Pak Mulung), the princess (Mek Mulung), the shaman (Awang Pengasuh), the maids, and the antagonist characters.
Mek Mulung does not have distinct costumes, but performers mimic the traditional costumes of Malay royalty and nobility, while the comedian wears a mask when teasing audiences.
It is performed on an open stage, gazebo, or shed, and the stage and performers are surrounded by spectators.
There are about 12 stories or hikayats presented during Mek Mulung performances – Puteri Cahaya Bulan, Dewa Muda, Dewa Kacak, and Puteri Dua Belas, among others.
Four types of dances are featured in the performances, including Puteri Mabuk, Anak Manora, Gambang, and Sedayung.
Mek Mulung allows audiences to get a view and feel of what life in ancient Kedah may have been like, the dynamics of royal court life, and the relationship between royalty and their subjects.
Authentic performances are delivered in the ancient Kedah dialect – which is almost impossible to mimic by non-Kedahans.
These are among some of the values that make Mek Mulung special, unique, and a priceless state and national treasure. The dossier for the Unesco listing was prepared by the National Heritage Department, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. – December 8, 2023