THE much-anticipated Penang International Paddy Festival will be back in July this year after two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The three-day Penang International Paddy Festival 4.0 will be held at Kampung Terus, Penanti, in Permatang Pauh, from July 15 to 17.
State Health, Rural Development, Agrotech and Food Security Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin said the event is a celebration of rich cultural heritage and nature.
“Several activities such as the Paddy Straw Sculpture Competition (Pertandingan Arca Jerami Padi 1.0), photography competition, food bazaar, traditional games, arts and crafts, paddy exhibition and river cruise will be held to mark the paddy harvesting season in Kampung Terus.
“The Penang International Paddy Festival 4.0 is also held in collaboration with the George Town Festival celebration, which will be held from July 9 to 24.
“We have also invited the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Raja Permaisuri Agong, the Penang Governor and his consort to the paddy festival,” Dr Norlela told a press conference after the opening of the State Legislative Assembly today.
She also mentioned that the winner of the Paddy Straw Sculpture Competition stands a chance to win the Penang Chief Minister Award, which comprised an RM30,000, a trophy and a certificate.
“The theme for the Paddy Straw Sculpture Competition is ‘Heritage of Paddy with Wonders of Nature’.
“We will be updating our website to include details of the Penang International Paddy Festival 4.0 soon,” she said. The website is https://www.penangpaddyfestival.com/
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said that eco-tourism has been increasingly favoured by the people.
“I believe the diversity of tourism products can encourage tourists to extend their duration of stay in our state,” he said.
Also present were George Town World Heritage Incorporated general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee and TLM Event managing director Jack Wong.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad and Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar