ALOR SETAR: A flotilla of 80 boats adorned with Jalur Gemilang flags paraded along a 17-kilometre stretch of Sungai Kedah River in celebration of the 67th National Day.
The parade of small boats began at Kampung Seberang, Anak Bukit. It was officiated by Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who also participated by steering one of the boats.
In his speech, Muhammad Sanusi highlighted that Sungai Kedah holds significant historical importance as it once served as a main route into the city.
He added that the state government is working to promote the river as a key tourism product to attract visitors.
"For this reason, we organised a water parade for National Day next week, to remind the people that it once functioned as a 'highway' into Alor Setar,” he said.
"I hope efforts can be made to enhance the river's surroundings to attract tourists to experience the traditional lifestyle of the community here," he said.
Also present were state Agriculture, Plantation, and Transportation Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani, Kuala Kedah member of parliament Dr. Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi, and Anak Bukit state assemblyman Rashidi Razak.
Meanwhile, Dzowahir, who is also the Suka Menanti assemblyman, said the boat parade was organised to create a unique way to celebrate this year’s National Day.
"In the future, we aim to make this National Day boat parade an annual event in Kedah, and have a bigger one next year,” he said. - Bernama
