Reviving Malay Folklore Through English: A Journey with ‘Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup’

SK GUAL TO'DEH - This morning marked the beginning of our drama practice for the play Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup. Although it is currently the school holiday, I still made my way to school with great enthusiasm to train the students and prepare the stage props for this meaningful project. My strong interest in drama and storytelling has inspired me to guide my pupils in participating in the HIPMaX: Malaysian Folklore StoryFest – Tales on Stage 2025, a competition proudly organized by the English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC).

The six actors who will bring the play Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup to life. They are Mak Tanjung, Melor, Pekan, Batu Belah, Narrator and Assistant Technician.

This is the preparation for creating props in the village area, and we are still looking for ideas on how to make the Batu Belah.

For this drama, I have chosen six talented pupils to take part in the performance. The characters include Mak Tanjung, Melur, Pekan, Batu Belah, a Narrator, and a technical assistant. Each role is significant in bringing the story to life, and I am deeply impressed with the enthusiasm these young learners have shown during the early stages of rehearsal. Managing this team is certainly not an easy task, as it requires patience, creativity, and coordination. Yet, I firmly believe that the students selected have the ability, talent, and determination to make this production successful.

The decision to perform Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup is not merely for the sake of joining a competition. It reflects my personal mission to preserve and promote traditional Malay folklore in a modern and meaningful way. Folklore stories, which once played a central role in transmitting values, culture, and wisdom, are now at risk of being forgotten by younger generations. By staging this folklore in English, my students not only strengthen their language proficiency but also rediscover the richness of our local cultural heritage.

The HIPMaX competition provides the perfect platform to merge these two important elements: language learning and cultural appreciation. Students are allowed to use English creatively and engagingly while showcasing the timeless values embedded in Malay folklore. The themes of family love, sacrifice, and responsibility in Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup are universal, allowing young learners to relate to the story even while performing it in a second language.

Throughout the preparation, I encourage my students to reflect on the moral lessons of the play and to express them confidently in English. This process not only builds their linguistic competence but also fosters teamwork, self-discipline, and creativity. Moreover, the use of English as the medium of storytelling ensures that the beauty of Malay folklore can reach a wider audience, transcending linguistic boundaries.

As the deadline approaches—videos must be submitted online before 12 October 2025—our rehearsals will continue with dedication and passion. Despite the challenges, I am proud of the commitment displayed by my students. I am confident that this project will not only contribute to their growth as English learners but also instill in them a lifelong appreciation of our traditional stories.

In essence, this effort signifies more than just a school competition. It represents a small but meaningful step toward upholding Malay heritage through the universal language of English, ensuring that our treasured folklore continues to live on in the hearts of future generations.