Arya News - Guided by local Chinese friends, the troupe started with 15 youths from various ethnic backgrounds. They plan to subtly blend local Malay elements, such as traditional kompang rhythms, while strictly preserving the core essence and technique of lion dancing.
DUYONG, MELAKA – The journey began in 2023 when a Chinese temple on Jalan Semabok invited Duyong state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem to perform the eye-opening ritual for a new lion dance troupe.
It was his first close-up experience with the traditional Chinese custom, sparking a deep fascination with the art form.
Recalling the event, Mohd Noor Helmy admitted feeling both curious and excited. To show their appreciation, the temple gifted him a rabbit, commemorating the Year of the Rabbit.
That memorable day planted the seed for a multi-racial lion dance troupe in Duyong.
Though his busy schedule initially put the plan on hold, a recent visit by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh revived the idea. Deciding to turn thought into action, Mohd Noor Helmy officially established the troupe under the name Helmy Duyung Kita (Our Duyong Helmy).
Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh gave his full support, performing the eye-opening ceremony for the troupe’s first two lions—one named after himself and the other after Mohd Noor Helmy.
“The Chief Minister hopes that this lion dance troupe will be able to reflect the diversity and unity in the state.
“Some said I set up the lion dance troupe to please the Chinese voters. But I really like lion dance troupe. That is why I set it up,” said Mohd Noor Helmy.
Friends outside Melaka even talked about inviting the lion dance troupe to perform in Kuala Lumpur.
Guided by local Chinese friends, the troupe started with 15 youths from various ethnic backgrounds—including Chinese, Malay, and other races—with eight residing in the Duyong constituency.
The team is advised by Lee Kiat Lee and trained by Master Gilbert Lim Sze Min of the Melaka Shen Wu Dragon and Lion Dance Sports Association.
Among the members is Faizal, a Malay youth with years of lion dance experience who is skilled in drumming, playing cymbals, footwork, and arranging traditional festive orange displays (cai qing).
The troupe plans to subtly blend local Malay elements, such as traditional kompang rhythms, while strictly preserving the core essence and technique of lion dancing.
The team currently practices at Pulau Melaka and is gearing up for its official debut during the upcoming Lunar New Year, where members will go door-to-door delivering festive blessings across Duyong.
For Mohd Noor Helmy, this initiative extends far beyond festive entertainment. It serves as a living bridge for youths of diverse backgrounds to learn about each other’s cultures, building a shared language of harmony and unity through the beat of the drum.