Poetry and cultural performances take centre stage in George Town
The Malam Puisi Riong programme formed part of National Language Month 2026, featuring poets, singers and a school orchestra.
Poetry recitals and musical performances brought audiences to Padang Kota Lama in George Town for Malam Puisi Riong, a programme organised by Berita Harian (BH) and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) as part of National Language Month 2026.
Among those reciting poetry were National Laureate Datuk Dr Zurinah Hassan, poet and songwriter Ahmad Ramli, and Hafizah Iszahanid, a BH assistant news editor who received the 2025 Southeast Asian Writers Award. The musical line-up included Penang-born singer Mila Jirin, Nourul Depp and Gemersik Band from Universiti Sains Malaysia, which performed classic Malay music.
The Jenan Wind Orchestra also performed, with more than 30 musicians from Sekolah Menengah Sultan Abdul Halim in Jitra, Kedah, taking part.
BH group editor Zulkifli Jalil said the programme began in the 1980s and had served as a platform for the country's literary heritage for more than four decades. He said it had expanded beyond poetry recitals to include heritage workshops, demonstrations of art and traditional games.
Zulkifli identified mixed-language usage, weakening grammar and reduced courtesy in language as challenges, particularly for young people. He said the programme could help younger generations engage with literature. Penang State Secretary Datuk Dr Jafri Abdul Jalil said language and literature helped build a knowledgeable, cultured society, while language connected people across racial backgrounds.
