KUALA NERUS: In a bid to boost the patriotic spirit ahead of National Day on Aug 31, some 40 students and staff from public universities in east coast states kayaked their way to Pulau Bidong, proudly carrying and flying the Jalur Gemilang.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs) Prof Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain said the UMT Merdeka Kayak Expedition 2025 saw participants paddling from Pantai Inos UMT to Pasir Tenggara, Pulau Bidong, a 22km journey which took the participants about six to eight hours to complete.
Aside from UMT, participating universities included Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK).
“Although Pulau Bidong appears close, reaching it by kayak requires considerable time and effort.
“It requires patience and persistence. Through this expedition, we aim to convey, in conjunction with National Day, the spirit and struggle of our forefathers in securing the independence and peace we enjoy today,” he told reporters, Bernama reported.
Mohd Izani said the expedition also aimed to inspire young people to value the spirit of independence and to continue striving to preserve the prosperity the country now enjoys.
He said the programme seeks to raise student and community awareness on environmental sustainability. There are plans to make this an annual event.
The participants, in 20 kayaks, were escorted by five escort boats from the UMT sailing training centre, the UMT health centre and the Fire and Rescue Department.
One of the participants, Nur Muhammad Aqil Nazri, 22, said the programme reflected the spirit of unity among public universities in celebrating National Day.
“It is proof of our solidarity in demonstrating our love for our country,” said the second-year student of UMT’s faculty of maritime studies and marine sciences.
UMK faculty of entrepreneurship and business student Nur Ileeya Mysara Kamal Bashah, 22, said although this was her first long-distance kayaking experience, she remained enthusiastic about completing the expedition.
“I hope this programme will be held again next year. My three friends and I would love to join again,” said the third-year student.
