18 August 2008: The people of Bintulu achieved a new record when they flew 1,655 kites simultaneously during an attempt to get into the Malaysia Book of records (MBR) when they flew 1,655 kites simultaneously during an attempt to get into the Malaysia Book of records (MBR). The record was confirmed by the Malaysia Book of Records official Yap Chee Kong.The event was participated by more than 2,000 kite flyers within Bintulu. According to BDA's General Manager, Hj. Mohidin Ishak, the event served as precursor to the Borneo International Kites Festival 2008 which started today and is slotted to end on August 24. "The fest was held in conjunction with the 30th anniversary celebration of Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and also the 45th anniversary of Sarawak's progress in Malaysia," said Mohidin. He said the objective of holding the kite's festival was to promote the game among the locals. According to him, such activities could lead to good business opportunities as one may profit either by selling it directly or by setting up a craft workshop on how to make kites. Mohidin said the game had been recognised as an international game because kite-flying appealed to people from all walks of life.
He added that BDA hoped that the people of Bintulu would make use of the fest to earn extra income through business ventures. He stressed that the fest could be thought of as a place where family members could improve and strengthen domestic relationships as well as boost community interaction on a whole. Mohidin urged the people of Bintulu in particular to be prepared with upcoming development because they must be able to adapt and play along with related future projects. As BDA general manager, Mohidin stressed that the BDA was striving to develop Bintulu into a developed city by 2020, thus, co-operation among its people was needed. Senator Pau Chiong Ung, who also spoke at the event, had the honour of officiating at the event by releasing MBR-stamped kites into the air. Pau, in his remarks, said such events tend to benefit many businesses as it ultimately attracted locals and as well as foreign tourists, promoting Bintulu as an ideal tourist destination. Also in attendance at the event yesterday were BDA deputy chairman Dato Seri Celestine Ujang Jilan, Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip, deputy Resident Sirai Daha, political secretary to Bintulu MP Zaedy Nor Abu Nassir and other senior officers of government agencies and private sectors.
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