Rahim: The ‘Dynamic Culture’ theme showcases each nation’s uniqueness and the evolution of kites.
STUNT or sport kites, which require expertise in manoeuvring them, are the highlight of the 26th edition of the Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival.
Malaysian Kite Flyers Council president Datuk A. Rahim Nin said, “Last year, we highlighted Malaysia’s traditional kite or wau in conjunction with our 25th anniversary celebration.
“This year the focus is on foreign kites, especially those used for stunts or sports which sometimes require more than one person to control.”
Themed “Dynamic Culture”, this year’s festival has attracted 130 international participants from 39 countries.
Rahim added that the theme was apt as it showed each nation’s uniqueness and the evolution of kites.
Of the 39 participating countries, seven namely Argentina, Canada, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, the United States and United Kingdom had signed up to showcase stunt performances.
“We have also collaborated with Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan and Pasir Gudang Community College to train 20 students from their creative department to create and fly stunt kites,” said Rahim.
“These students will then be sent to represent Malaysia at international kite festivals in the future.”
He said that if the pilot project was successful, it would be expanded to other polytechnics and community colleges.
The current event is expected to attract over 500,000 visitors from Feb 24 to March 3.
“Last year, some 350,000 people attended the five-day event in Pasir Gudang,” said Rahim.
“This year’s festival was organised to coincide with the school holidays, which is why it is extended to nine days, for families to join in the fun,” he said.
The pre-event was from Feb 24 to 27.
The Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival is jointly organised with the Johor Kite Association and Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG).
“Others lending support to make the event a success are Tourism Johor, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Pasir Gudang Tourism Association and Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan.” — REMAR NORDIN
