KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Culture and Arts Department (JKKN) is stepping up efforts to nurture a new generation of rebana mangkuk practitioners through workshops, performance opportunities and the Cultural Sector Support Grant (GSSK) by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, as part of initiatives to prevent the traditional Malay drum art form from disappearing.
Kelantan JKKN director Noraniza Abdullah said the traditional art, which is unique to the state, is now practised actively by only one association in Felda Kemahang 3, Tanah Merah, making preservation efforts increasingly urgent.
She said JKKN is supporting practitioners through GSSK funding as well as training programmes and public performances to encourage greater appreciation of rebana mangkuk, particularly among the younger generation.
“Rebana mangkuk is a heritage unique to Kelantan that deserves to be preserved so future generations can continue to recognise and appreciate it,” she said during the Kelantan Rebana Mangkuk Making and Performance Workshop 2026 in Kubang Kerian recently.
Noraniza said JKKN also sees potential for rebana mangkuk to be developed into a tourism and creative economy product, particularly through innovations in its production using materials that are more readily available than those traditionally used.
She said such innovations could help introduce the unique art form to both local and international visitors while ensuring its continued production.
This year’s GSSK programme also included children with special needs, reflecting the potential of rebana mangkuk as a platform for therapy, skills development and talent nurturing.
Rebana mangkuk practitioner Mohd Hasbullah Aling said the two-day workshop was organised to train more practitioners while introducing the heritage to a wider audience.
He said participants were introduced to every stage of producing rebana mangkuk, from crafting the instrument to mastering its playing techniques and exploring creative production methods.
A rebana mangkuk sells for about RM170 each, although most customers purchase them in sets of six.
