Muhammad Hafiz (second left) receiving his lucky draw prize of a motorcycle from Rizam (third left). Looking on are (from left) Sabak constituency coordinator Samad Hashim, Sabak Bernam District Council president Awaluddin Zakaria and Sabak Bernam Drainage and Irrigation Department district engineer Epyzul Akmal Mohd Shahali at the event.
Games, beauty contest, prizes draw 10,000 to Sg Besar event
THE Paddy Field Carnival in Sungai Besar was supposed to be just another fun day out for 13-year-old Muhammad Hafiz Abd Rahman with his friends.
But by the end of it, the teenager found himself the proud owner of a motorcycle, thanks to a twist of fate in the lucky draw.
During the draw by Selangor rural development, unity and consumers committee chairman Datuk Rizam Ismail, another entrant’s name was picked first.
When a relative tried to claim the prize on behalf of the absentee winner, the crowd objected.
Left with no choice, Rizam, who had sponsored the motorcycle for the draw, pulled another ticket and this time Muhammad Hafiz’s name was called, sparking cheers from the audience.
The carnival, organised by Selangor government to promote agritourism in Sabak Bernam, drew an estimated 10,000 visitors to Kampung Parit 2 Timur, where the paddy fields became both stage and playground.
Boys having a muddy good time playing football in the slushy paddy field.
From as early as 7am, families poured in to take part in mud fishing, ball games, duck-catching competitions and palm-frond sledding races, all played out in knee-deep slush.
The crowd favourite? Watching participants slip, slide and squeal as they chased ducks or tried to stay upright while racing on palm fronds.
Among them was healthcare assistant Noorsaliza Khalid, 31, who joined a netball team for a muddy match.
“It was so slippery, I had to use my toes to grip the mud to stop myself from falling down,” she laughed.
“Win or lose, that’s not the point. My aim is to have fun.”
Another netball player, civil servant Adzura Adnan, 41, travelled all the way from Melaka.
Her team, Aerionix, ended up clinching the women’s netball title despite playing on such challenging terrain.
The carnival wasn’t all about sports.
A young contestant looking thrilled with her haul during the duck-catching competition at the Paddy Field Carnival in Sungai Besar, Selangor.
A cooking contest, a traditional song competition and even a beauty pageant – the Paddy Field Queen, which saw some 80 women vying for the title – added to the merriment.
The title went to teacher Norliza Yusoff, 38, who impressed judges by carrying a hoe and a bag of homegrown produce during the catwalk segment.
As night fell, a 5km fun walk around the paddy fields capped off the festivities, with families strolling past chalet-styled traditional kampung houses.
For many visitors, the carnival stirred up fond memories of simpler days.
Housewife Watie Awang, 34, said it reminded her of a childhood spent outdoors.
“Unlike life in the city, we didn’t have extra tuition. After school, we would nap, help with chores, then run outside to play with our friends,” she said.
Vegetable farmer Khairul Azhar, 40, agreed.
Rashida Ramli (front) dressed up in her best to vie for a place in the Queen of the Paddy Field contest.
“When we were kids, we didn’t sit in front of screens.
“We played in the fields and caught fighting fish. That’s why the older generation is fitter and tougher, physically and mentally,” said Khairul.
Village head Ibrahim Sahahdan, 66, said the choice of Kampung Parit 2 Timur for the carnival venue was deliberate.
“Our planting season hasn’t started yet, and that made it possible for us to use the fields for games, unlike in Sekinchan where there is also a paddy museum and gallery,” he explained, adding that the site’s ample parking also sealed the decision.
In his closing remarks, Rizam said the event not only strengthened community ties but also boosted the state’s agritourism potential.
Sabak Bernam, often dubbed Selangor’s rice bowl, is a key player in agriculture.
“We plan to make this an annual event,” Rizam said, urging the Sabak Bernam District Council to allocate funds and identify suitable sites.
“Carnivals like this can attract more visitors and pave the way for agritourism to thrive,” he added.
