THE fourth edition of the Penang International Paddy Festival (PIPF), which concluded yesterday, showed the remarkable creativity of local artists and artisans.
It featured various paddy sculptures of interesting shapes, such as buffalo and scarecrow, made from discarded rice straws and other items by the Kampung Terus villagers in Penanti, Permatang Pauh.
While the paddy sculptures were the main attraction, other activities also pulled in thousands of people to the three-day festival from July 22 to 24.
The activities included catching fish in the paddy fields, painting of local sceneries by local artists, kite exhibition, tug of war activity in the paddy field and football competition in traditional clothes (kain pelikat) in the paddy field.
So popular was the event that even when it was over yesterday, many still visited Kampung Terus.
The majority of them gave positive reviews of the festival, with some expressing hopes that the festival’s duration could be extended, and also become an annual event in the state.
Buletin Mutiara spoke to some of the visitors and local folk for their views on the festival.
Jaafar Ahmad Ridhuan (50, grocery store owner):
“For me, the Penang International Paddy Festival has successfully promoted Kampung Terus in Penanti as a popular tourist destination.
“Before this festival, not many have heard about Kampung Terus. But now, everything has changed.
“Even after the festival had ended, we keep receiving visitors from other states and abroad. They wanted to enjoy the beautiful scenery here and also try out the river cruise.
“Thus, I think this is a great festival which can help boost the local businesses. At the same time, we can take a closer look and appreciate the paddy field as a valuable treasure that we have in the country.
“And I feel the Penang International Paddy Festival should be continued next year and be made an annual event as well.”
Jaliah Shariff Omar (47, roadside stall trader):
“As we know, the Penang International Paddy Festival was held for only three days, the same as the previous editions.
“But due to the overwhelming response for each edition, I think the three-day duration may not be enough.
“If Penanti assemblyman Dr Norlela Ariffin and the organiser could extend its duration, it will be great to boost its popularity and thus attract an even larger crowd.
“This can also stimulate the local economy at Kampung Terus and also ensure that other people who miss it or want to come again for the same event could experience it once again.”
Muhamad Rizal Amri Yahaya (45, technician):
“I managed to attend the festival yesterday and I was surprised to see so many people coming to the event.
“And this was my first time to this paddy festival together with my kids. We live in Bayan Lepas on the island.
“I have heard about this paddy festival from a friend and decided to go to the festival this year. And I am happy to see such a large crowd.
“In my opinion, such festival should be continued every year as it can promote the place and the state as a tourist destination.”
Sulaiman Md Ariff (55, farmer):
“So far, I love everything about this paddy festival since it features various exciting activities and programmes.
“And I hope that for the next paddy festival, they can organise it at other locations that have paddy fields such as in Sungai Acheh and other parts of Penang.
“This, in turn, will give locals in other areas a chance to enjoy the festival since it will be nearer to their homes.
“Such festival can also bring a better economic impact to the local businesses and further promote the place as a tourist location, just like at Kampung Terus.”
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar