KOTA KINABALU: Bajau Sama’s traditional oral art has earned national recognition, with its leading practitioner, Masruh Siadik, named a National Living Heritage Figure (WAKOH) 2026.
Masruh was recognised in the Language and Literature Arts category for his contributions to preserving, developing and promoting Isun-Isun, a traditional art form practised by the Bajau Sama and Iranun communities in Kota Belud.
“Isun-Isun combines oral poetry and music through exchanges of pantun between male and female singers, accompanied by a traditional violin.
“The art form is traditionally performed at weddings, childbirth celebrations, vow-fulfilment ceremonies and cultural events, including the Kota Belud Tamu Besar and Regatta Lepa,” according to a statement by the Sabah National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN).
As a maestro and leading authority on the art form, Masruh leads performances, arranges the sequence of pantun and accompanies singers on the traditional violin.
His efforts to promote Isun-Isun beyond Sabah include representing the Sabah Sports and Cultural Board at the National Dance Festival in Kuala Lumpur and representing Malaysia at the Culture Art and Tourism Foundation Festival in Bursa, Türkiye.
He is also an important source of knowledge for cultural researchers and institutions, including JKKN, as well as younger generations interested in traditional violin music and Bajau oral literature.
WAKOH is among the country’s highest honours for individuals who have made significant contributions to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Since the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) came into force, 27 cultural practitioners from various ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds have been recognised as National Living Heritage Figures.
Other WAKOH 2026 recipients include Che Mat Jusoh, recognised for nearly 58 years of preserving Kelantanese Mak Yong and Wayang Kulit; Che Mohd Nasir Yusoff, better known as Pak Nasir, for his expertise in Kelantanese Wayang Kulit; Toh Ai Hwa, for preserving Teochew iron-rod puppet performances in Penang for more than six decades; and Siow Ho Phiew, for lion-head puppet making and lion dance.
Sarawak practitioners Bangie Anak Embol, Salbiah Muhi and Razali Yu were also recognised for their expertise in Pua Kumbu weaving and Keringkam embroidery.