KUALA LANGAT: Surrounded by vast oil palm plantations, the quaint settlement of Kampung Jenjarom strives to preserve its uniqueness, ensuring that generational traditions are not lost over time.
One such tradition is the 'Ketuk Beduk' procession, which takes place at the end of Ramadan and at the beginning of the Syawal month.
During this procession, the local mosque and its congregation tour every street in the village to excite residents as they welcome the festive season.
Every year during the month of Hari Raya, the community of this village, which is situated about 53km (48 minutes) southwest of the Kuala Lumpur city centre and has a population of 8,000 residents, gathers in the spirit of togetherness.
Speaking on 'Ketuk Beduk', resident Muhammad Firdaus Rahmat said the tradition dates back to 1968 and is marked by the drum that has been used for generations.
However, he said, it was only about three years ago that the community truly started celebrating it.
"Over the years, people seemed to have forgotten about it because it wasn't attractive to the younger generation. But during the pandemic, under the Movement Control Order (MCO), some of us thought of reviving the tradition," he said.
Firdaus, who is also the administrator for the Kampung Jenjarom community Facebook page, shared that since then, many locals and visitors have shown a keen interest in learning more about the village's heritage.
"It has brought the residents of this village closer together, regardless of their age," he added.
In the past, the 'Beduk', also known as 'Tabuh', was a large drum used in traditional villages to signal to its residents that it was time to pray.
The large size of the drum ensures that residents from all corners of the village can hear its echo once it is struck with the 'Siak' drumsticks.
In Kampung Jenjarom, the instrument carries a greater meaning as it is now seen as a symbol of unity of the local population.
Masjid Al Falah Kg Jenjarom deputy nazir Mohd Fairus Rashid said the tradition of hitting the Beduk is being upheld by the mosque to preserve its cultural heritage.
"Today, the younger generation is often preoccupied with their phones and other digital devices. We hope this activity will encourage them to step away from their screens and engage with the real world," he said.
"This activity also helps educate them about the basic prayers and salawat (salutations) that have been practised for generations," added Fairus.
Meanwhile, Muhamad Fahmi Mohd Sudin, 37, said the Beduk procession passing by each household brings joy to the villagers during Hari Raya.
"Now that this activity happens every year, we all wait by the roadside just to greet the convoy as it passes by.
"So far, there have been no complaints by the people about the noise because we all look forward to it," he said.
Sahroni Sarion, 48, shared that the first memory he had of the Beduk procession dates back 40 years, when he was still a child himself.
"It's great that my kids, as well as the grandchildren of the entire Sarion clan, are able to witness this activity firsthand.
"I, for one, think that upholding this tradition is a good practice because the younger generations have never understood or experienced the old ways before. I believe there is beauty when the new and old collide," he said.
In addition to the 'Ketuk Beduk' procession, residents have also included extra activities such as 'kacau dodol' (dodol making) and creatively setting up display lights throughout the village to enhance the festive atmosphere.