More than 135 fishing boats brightened up the waters of Sungai Kerang in Perak today in a parade of decorated boats held by the Bukit Gantang parliamentary constituency in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations.
Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal launched the event at about 9am today.
The event was held in the waters of Sungai Kerang, Kelubong and Bagan Panchor with each boat beautifully adorned with the Jalur Gemilang and Perak flag, in a parade over 10km.
Participants were also judged in the decorated boat competition which was divided into small and large boat categories, with the criteria of creativity, neatness and decorative appeal.
Syed Abu Hussin said the event has become an annual staple in the district’s tourism calendar.
This event is not merely a parade, but also a platform to strengthen the bond between the fishing folk and the local community.
“It can be a tourist attraction, thus providing economic benefits to the residents around this coastal area.
“Each participant was given RM300 to decorate their boats, the champion will take home RM10,000, second place (RM7,000), third (RM5,000), fourth (RM3,000) and RM1,000 for fifth place.
“We took the initiative to hold this competition because we did not want fishermen to feel left out of national activities. Malaysia Day celebrations can be held not only on land but also at sea,” he said.
