BUKIT GANTANG: More than 135 fishing boats brightened up the waters of Sungai Kerang On Sunday (Sept 14) as part of the Bukit Gantang parliamentary constituency's Decorated Boat Parade and Competition 2025 at the Sungai Kerang Jetty in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations.

Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, who is also head of the food cluster of the National Cost of Living Action Council (Naccol), launched the event at about 9am Sunday.

The fourth annual event was held in the waters of Sungai Kerang, Kelubong and Bagan Panchor with each boat beautifully adorned with the Jalur Gemilang and Perak flag, parading for 10km.

Participants were also judged in the decorated boat competition which was divided into small and large boat categories, with the criteria of creativity, neatness and decorative appeal.

According to Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz, the programme, which has now become an annual staple in the district's tourism calendar, reflects the fishing community's commitment to the spirit of patriotism and unity.

This event is not merely a parade, but also a platform to strengthen the bond between the fishing folk and the local community. It can be a tourist attraction, thus providing economic benefits to the residents around this coastal area.

"Each participant was given RM300 to decorate their boats, the champion will take home RM10,000, second place (RM7,000), third (RM5,000), fourth (RM3,000) and RM1,000 for fifth place," he said.

Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz said the Malaysia Day celebration, which was held inclusively with the fishing community, symbolises the spirit of unity in line with the core values of Malaysia Madani.

"We took the initiative to hold this competition because we did not want fishermen to feel left out of national activities. As Malaysia Day celebrations can be held not only on land but also at sea.

"We always support events that promote the identity and culture of fishermen because they are not only key contributors to the country's food supply, but also part of the country's maritime heritage that needs to be preserved," he said.

He also expressed his appreciation to all parties including local fishermen associations, government agencies and the local community who made the programme a success, while expressing confidence that it can be developed as a state-level tourism event in the future. - Bernama