Compiled by C. ARUNO and BENJAMIN LEE
WHILE many would view mermaids as creatures of folklore, a Penangite is looking to bring the fantastical being to life by turning her swimming skills into a full-fledged business, reported Harian Metro.
Nur Fathiyah Mahfuz, who touts herself as the first Malay Muslim mermaid-swimming style trainer in the Asia Pacific, said despite the rigorous training and challenges, the experience was truly one of a kind.
“The swimming technique requires both legs to be joined as one in a monofin and tail costume.
“This seriously increases the risks of seizures and cramps, which could be made worse by the water condition.
“I had to undergo various courses, including Emergency First Response training, and master difficult swimming skills such as the ‘duck dive’ and ‘dolphin kick’.
“I also had to get qualifications and recognition under the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (Padi) Advanced Mermaids course by undergoing diving training in mermaid suits for at least 15 sessions, including three or more in the sea at a depth of 10 metres,” she told the Malay tabloid.
Fathiyah, who holds a degree in Environmental Biotechnology from the International Islamic University, said diving and swimming in the ocean as a mermaid made her feel like she was part of the sea.
The 37-year-old, who has over two years of experience, plans to open a mermaid-themed shop to make it easier for people to achieve their childhood dream of becoming a mermaid princess.
Besides mermaid-diving training and tours, she also plans to offer services such as basic make-up, deep sea photography, and products like mermaid-themed swimwear.
> The Malay daily also quoted veteran director and actor Sabri Yunus as encouraging the participation of more non-Malay actors in local films and shows.
Sabri said the inclusion of actors of various races in his upcoming film Duan Nago Bogho was an important step towards sowing understanding, unity and harmony among Malaysians.
“The arts exist to be shared with everyone in our country, regardless of religion and culture.
“If we cannot even share the arts with other races, then there is little hope that we will be able to share other things with them.
The film features two non-Malay actors, Sangeeta Krishnasamy and Jojo Goh, who play the roles of fans and practitioners of the traditional Malay dance form, Makyong.
The action flick is expected to be released in cinemas nationwide by Jan 19.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.
