KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- A Silat Muslihat Pongok performance by two senior martial arts exponents from the Kampung Gong Tok Nasek Persatuan Seni Silat Muslihat Pongok became the main attraction of the 2026 Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) X Jago Terengganu programme held at Dataran Shahbandar here today.
Terengganu Malaysian Information Department (Japen) Director Muhd Nor Aswadi Md Nor said that Silat Muslihat Pongok, which originates from Dungun, is a branch or martial art form that is rarely performed at any events in the state.
Therefore, he said, Japen Terengganu took the proactive step of reintroducing the martial art to the public in conjunction with the KMJG 2026 X Jago programme, which also involved the participation of several other agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).
"Traditionally, Silat Muslihat Pongok was largely studied in private settings such as at home and in coastal areas. This martial art is a style that focuses more on applications (buah) or techniques, without significant dance elements.
"Although its movements appear simple, they contain various implicit meanings. In conjunction with the independence celebration, Japen has taken the initiative to highlight the Silat Muslihat Pongok performance for public viewing," he told reporters at the KMJG 2026 X Jago Terengganu convoy programme at Dataran Shahbandar here today.
Also present were Terengganu Broadcasting Director Noriza Salleh and Terengganu Pos Malaysia State General Manager Zulkifly Mohd Noor.
Muhd Nor Aswadi said that besides the silat performance, KMJG X Jago was also graced by poetry recitation events, a performance by Japen's PENTARAMA artist lineup, and the distribution of Jalur Gemilang stickers to the local community.
He said the KMJG 2026 X Jago Terengganu convoy, involving 13 vehicles, started in Setiu and arrived at Dataran Shahbandar at 12:30 pm before departing for its final location at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Ketengah Jaya, Dungun at 2:15 pm.
"This programme also involved 36 MADANI Communities across three districts. Thus far, the public's response to the 1 House 1 Jalur Gemilang campaign in Terengganu has been increasingly positive and encouraging," he said.
-- BERNAMA