Pesta Angin Timur Platform To Promote State Tourism - Raja Of Perlis

KANGAR, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- The Pesta Angin Timur (PAT) serves as a strategic platform to drive Perlis’ tourism sector by promoting the state’s unique culture, traditions and natural beauty to both domestic and international visitors.

Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail said the festival also strengthens the state’s image as a distinctive and competitive cultural tourism destination.

“I also see this festival as a catalyst for economic growth among the people, especially small and medium entrepreneurs, local traders, arts practitioners, creative entrepreneurs and the local community.

“Their participation not only adds value to the organisation of the festival but also creates income opportunities, expands business networks and enhances the economic wellbeing of the local community,” His Royal Highness said when officiating the festival at Dataran Kangar Jaya here today.

The three-day PAT Perlis 2026, which began yesterday, marks its 14th edition and is jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) through the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) and the Perlis state government.

Meanwhile, JKKN director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris said PAT Perlis would continue to be enhanced in line with MOTAC’s aspiration to secure international recognition for the cultural heritage-based festival.

He said efforts are being made to encourage international participation in competitions introduced this year, including traditional kite flying and gasing pangkah events.

“PAT, as a high-potential cultural tourism product, can position Perlis as a distinctive destination rooted in traditional heritage, while supporting the ministry’s goal of promoting the festival globally.

“We want Pesta Angin Timur to become a state brand and, at the same time, align with the ministry’s aim of placing the festival on the international stage through foreign participation and a wider range of activities,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony,

Mohd Amran said this year’s edition adopts a more organised approach, with 80 per cent of the programmes held at Dataran Kangar Jaya and the remainder in padi field areas to preserve traditional elements.

“The padi field setting has been retained because Pesta Angin Timur is closely linked to post-harvest activities, including eel-catching competitions and greasy pole climbing, which were also featured during the opening ceremony,” he said.

He added that the choice of locations this year is more suitable and helps reduce the risk of delays due to weather conditions, ensuring the smooth running of events throughout the festival.

-- BERNAMA