At the National Water Festival in Teluk Cempedak, Kuantan: Khairul Firdaus (second from right) and Leong at the launch ceremony. — Pictures courtesy of MOTAC
KUANTAN: The National Water Festival here made a splash over the weekend, attracting throngs of visitors to the beaches of Teluk Cempedak.
Among the programmes held throughout the three-day event since Friday were community sports, a kayaking competition, surfing and windsurfing competitions, laser projection on water screen show, heritage food displays as well as rescue and safety demonstrations.
In addition to the programmes, the Malaysian Indigenous Arts Festival gala night – organised by the National Department for Culture and Arts – was also held on the last day of the event on Sunday.
The gala night highlighted the uniqueness of seven tribes of indigenous people in fostering unity with the community through arts and cultural activities.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the festival was to promote the tourism, arts and culture industries in an inclusive manner in addition to the continuous initiatives by the ministry in introducing Malaysian culture to the world.
“We also want to introduce and promote arts, culture and heritage as well as the Malaysian way of life that reflects unity in diversity to the international community,” he said at the opening ceremony of the festival on Saturday.
Visitors taking part in a pillow fight over water.
Khairul Firdaus said the selection of Kuantan as the host of the National Water Festival was the right choice as the city had its own charm in attracting tourists.
“The National Water Festival this time is expected to benefit the local and surrounding communities as well as those directly involved in activities related to arts and cultural tourism.
“I call on people from all walks of life to join hands with the ministry in promoting Malaysia as the destination of choice for tourism and culture, comparable to other countries,” he said.
Speaking to reporters later, Khairul Firdaus said such an event could showcase unique Malaysian products.
“It presents an opportunity for locals and foreign visitors to see for themselves our country’s uniqueness.
“The event this time directly promotes Pahang, which we know has many special attractions. It’s just that we need to promote the state more. Hidden treasures should be made known to the people,” he said.
Khairul Firdaus said Tourism Pahang statistics showed that tourist arrivals to the state in the first half of this year were 4.61 million visitors while the overall arrivals last year were 10.18 million people.
Participants enjoying a captivating display on screen of laser projections on water after sundown.
He said the target of 13 million domestic and foreign tourist arrivals to Pahang this year was achievable with continuous efforts.
He added that the ministry would discuss expanding the National Water Festival nationwide.
“The most important objective is to promote all corners of our country in the right manner,” he said.
State unity, tourism and culture committee chairman Leong Yu Man, who represented Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail at the event, said the state government was committed to promoting Pahang and one of the ways was to organise events not only at the national but international level.
She said tourist arrivals to Pahang in the first half of the year had increased by 22.85% compared to the same period last year.
Leong said Pahang would welcome the organisation of the festival as an annual event in the state.
During the opening ceremony, visitors were treated to various performances from cultural groups, indigenous troupes and singer Datuk Jamal Abdillah.
