BINTULU: Another feat entered the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) during the last day of the 10th Borneo International Kite Festival 2014 at the Bintulu Old Airport site yesterday for the ‘Longest arch kite’.

The new record was announced and certified by MBR officer Nurul Huda Zakaria in a ceremony witnessed by Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip and Bintulu Resident Muhamad Yakup Kari.

“This is the fourth record achieved in this kite flying festival,” said Datu Mohidin Ishak, the co-organising chairman and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) general manager.

The first record was achieved in 2008 for the most number of kites flying, totalling 1,655, simultaneously in a span of 20 minutes. The second record was for the most number of train-kites flying simultaneously in a single location in 20 minutes in 2010.

The third entry into the MBR was for the most number of kites flying simultaneously in 20 minutes, when 2,250 kites were flown in the ‘let’s fly together’ event during the Sarawak Gudi Festival 2013.

Yesterday, a total of 2,500 diamond kites were flown, forming the longest arch kite tunnel of 500 metres along the old airport site.

Thousands of people were present to witness the beautiful and record-breaking event during the last day of the festival.

“I am pleased to note that this year’s festival is much better than the previous edition and I want to thank all parties involved in organising the event.

“Next year this festival will be made a national event and this is actually a very big achievement for us,” said Mohidin, adding that small traders will generate even bigger income in the next edition.

Meanwhile, Talib was delighted with the positive response from the public and participants. From the tourism aspect, he said it was a great achievement considering that the government was aggressively promoting various interesting events in the country, including the kite flying festival.

SSKC Delta Force Team from Japan won the 2nd Asia Pacific Sport Kite Championship which was held as part of the main activity during the festival. The trophy was presented to them by Talib.