| James Kon |
IN KEEPING the tradition of kite flying alive, the Brunei Darussalam Kite Association is hoping to introduce the tradition to school students nationwide through workshops. However, due to limited resources and manpower, the initiative has yet to start.
This was yesterday revealed by Brunei Darussalam Kite Association President Haji Maidin bin Haji Ahmad on the sidelines of the kite festival that was officiated by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong at Dermaga Diraja.
Haji Maidin said, “Kite flying has long been a tradition in Brunei. I remember my grandparents or great grandparents used to fly kites, especially in the water village. At the time, there was no TV or Internet so flying a kite was one of the games enjoyed.”
In hopes of reviving the tradition, he hopes the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism will be able to create income generating for kite makers through commercialisation of an area for the production of kite for the local and Asean markets.
“Kite production has been modernised. Carbon material is used for the frame, alongside light textile, as compared to the olden days, where bamboo and paper were used. The new approach allows for the kite to be easily stored, and lengthened durability.”
He highlighted that the younger generation can also design kites in many ways – as long as they are aerodynamic.
Photo shows a participant flying his kite during the festival.
Photos top, above & below show Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong presenting prizes to the winners of the kite competition. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Touring the festival.
A committee member demonstrating his skills.
Organised by the Brunei Darussalam Kite Association with Brunei-Muara District Office and Brunei Tourism Department, the festival saw 50 kite enthusiasts participating in seven categories of a kite competition.
He expressed hopes the association would further be able to work together in organising such kite festivals annually, a sentiment shared by the minister.
The president noted the festival had not been organised over the last seven years due to budget constraints, however, a budget was allocated to them this year to carry out the festival in conjunction with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 70th birthday celebrations.
The winner of the normal kite competition was Haji Tuah bin Haji Tarif, while Malek Daud won the honour of Siar Manjar Kite. In the children’s category, Haji Tuah bin Haji Tarif took first place while Malek Daud took home the top prize for open kite design.
The winner of making of normal kite competition went to Putra Haji Chuchu, and Mohd Natib Hamdan won the clouding of kite competition. Mohd Najib Izzat won the kite frame-making competition.
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