THE wau, one of Kelantan’s cultural heritage treasures, will feature prominently during the state’s National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebration.
The “Wau Mega Layangan Merdeka 2026” competition later this month will see dozens of giant kites take flight over Pantai Cherang Laut in Bachok.
First held five years ago, the competition not only tests the skills of kite makers but also fosters patriotism and celebrates Malaysia’s independence.
Team Sri Bongor will be competing with two kites, the wau bulan and wau kucing, made by Mohd Norazizi Mustapha, 45, of Kampung Padang Bongor in Binjai, Kota Bharu.
He said the kites, measuring up to 3.6m, will feature the colours of the Jalur Gemilang.
He said it took him about two weeks to complete, with each weighing around 3kg.
“Every time August comes round, I will participate in the kite competition.
“The concept of my kites this year is ‘independence’ to show my love for the country while also highlighting the art of making traditional kites which is becoming less known,” he told Bernama.
He said his friends, Wan Mohd Syamsul Maariff Mohd Halim, 35, and Muhamad Syahmi Rosdi, 31, helped him make the kites at a cost of about RM500.
Mohd Norazizi said making a giant kite not only required skill but also teamwork, especially to fly it.
“At least eight people are needed to fly a mega kite. Four people to help launch it and four more to hold the rope to keep it stable in the sky.
“When the wind is right and everyone plays their role, the kite will rise perfectly. That cooperation is very important.”
Mohd Norazizi said his interest in the wau blossomed while in school and watching his friend’s father create different types of kites.
He said his first attempt at making a wau bulan flopped, but it led him to learn kite-making with his friend for a year.
“That’s where I learned to select the bamboo, form the frame and decorate it so it not only looks beautiful but can fly well,” he said.
He said his interest in kite-making heightened when the competition was introduced as it challenges kite makers and helps them grow their skills.
He said he is skilled in making 15 types of kites including the wau puyuh, wau jala budi and wau merak.
“I usually take between a week and two months to finish.
“The most challenging part is the frame because if it is too strong, the wind can’t enter and the kite will be difficult to fly.”
He said the process of making kites begins with selecting old bamboo which is more durable.
It is split, dried and the frame formed.
This is followed by the decorative elements like the sisik and jerabu, and finally the busur which produces a sound while the kite is high in the sky.
He hopes more people will be interested in learning how to make the wau to preserve the heritage and gain international recognition.
