KUCHING (Oct 28): Legendary band Acid Rain from Serian emerged victorious at the 9th Anugerah Carta Lagu Bidayuh (ACLB) last night with the song ‘Manuk Bauh’.

Acid Rain received RM5,000 and a trophy.

ACLB patron and Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem, who officiated at the ceremony at the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) building here, urged the Bidayuh community to continue lending steadfast support to their local music scene and evolve with the times.

He stressed the importance of purchasing tickets to local artistes’ performances and acquiring their music to promote their art.

“This is one way we can bolster their efforts. If we can buy tickets for international concerts, why can’t we do the same for our local artistes?” he asked.

He also acknowledged the challenges faced by local artistes, particularly within the Bidayuh community, highlighting that the music industry is not always glamorous, and the digital age has made it even more competitive.

“I hope that events like this will create opportunities for music composers to produce superior, high-quality compositions.

“Music has the power to unite people, regardless of their ethnicity and age,” he added.