Sungai Melayu Fishing Community Lights Up National Month With Boat Convoy

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- The waters of the Tebrau Strait were enlivened today with the colours red, white, blue and yellow as a fleet of fishing boats in Kampung Sungai Melayu here were decorated with the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) fluttering proudly while participating in a boat convoy in conjunction with the National Month celebration.

With patriotic songs playing and flags waving, the boat convoy further enhanced the festive atmosphere of the traditional fishing village, more than 150 years old, known for its natural surroundings and mangrove forest environment.  

Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad said the creative initiative not only brightened the celebration, but also symbolised the unity of the maritime community whose lives revolve around the river and sea.  

"This time we wanted the celebration to stand out, previously it was held on land, now we are doing it by sea to show the festive spirit," he said when met after the Jalur Gemilang Handover Ceremony to village heads here today.  

He said the fishing boats, which also serve as the backbone of eco-tourism in Kampung Sungai Melayu, joined the convoy from the Puteri Harbour Marina Jetty to the Sungai Melayu Eco-Tourism Rakit Stay, covering a distance of three kilometres.  

He said the parade took about 20 minutes, ending with the handover of the Jalur Gemilang to 11 village heads in the Kota Iskandar constituency as a symbolic gesture for the National Day celebration.  

For Kampung Sungai Melayu Fishermen’s Head, Kamaruddin Ahmad, this year’s celebration carried greater significance as it expressed gratitude and pride that the fishing community could celebrate independence in their own way.  

“We, the fishing community, fully support this kind of programme, and the uniqueness this time further strengthens the spirit of independence which cannot be bought.  

"This initiative also helps promote eco-tourism in Kampung Sungai Melayu, which attracts visitors from within and outside the country," he said.  

In 2013, Kampung Sungai Melayu was chosen as a pioneer eco-tourism project through the Friends of Iskandar Malaysia Programme to preserve Malay traditions, and is also well known for its fishing activities, mussel farming, and small and medium industries (SMEs), including belacan (shrimp paste) and dried fish.  

-- BERNAMA