BUKIT GANTANG: More than 135 decorated fishing boats brightened up the waters of Sungai Kerang at the Sungai Kerang Jetty in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration.
The boats were part of the Bukit Gantang Parliamentary Constituency’s Decorated Boat Parade and Competition 2025.
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, launched the event at about 9am yesterday.
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.
According to Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz, the programme has become a platform to strengthen the bond between the fishing folk and the local community.
“Each participant was given RM300 to decorate their boats.
“The champion will take home RM10,000, while second place will receive RM7,000, followed by third (RM5,000), fourth (RM3,000) and fifth place (RM1,000).
“We took the initiative to hold this competition because we did not want fishermen to feel left out of national activities.
“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 not only are they key contributors to the country’s food supply but also part of the country’s maritime heritage that needs to be preserved,” he said, Bernama reported.
Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz also expressed his appreciation to all parties, including local fishermen associations, government agencies and the local community who made the programme a success.
