THE sight of youths sprinting down village roads with flaming torches, cheered on by supporters lining the route, has become a distinctive Ramadan tradition in Sri Aman, Sarawak.
It is a spectacle that lights up the final nights leading to Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Known as Lombak Colop, the event transforms the darkness with glowing torches, rhythmic chants and race‑like atmosphere reminiscent of a festive relay, reported Bernama.
Lingga assemblyman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor said the tradition mirrored a relay or baton‑passing, with each participant running a stretch before handing the torch to the next runner.
Passed down since the 1980s, she said the practice remained a cherished part of the community’s cultural identity.
“This event is held every year in the Sri Aman area.
“We continue this tradition to preserve the heritage left by earlier generations,” she said.
“The aim is also to strengthen ties among villagers, including neighbours from the surrounding areas.
“It is organised especially for young people, who are now more inclined towards gaming and tend to be introverted.
“This run gives them a healthy social activity.”
She said this after attending the Lombak Colop competition organised by the Kampung Hulu, Jalan Pasir Panas Village Development and Security Committee.
Commenting on the event, Dayang Noorazah said three categories were contested, each with different race distances.
“We have children’s, adult and open race categories. The children’s category involved a 400m run,” she said.
“Safety considerations were also taken into account, and we obtained a police permit.”
