PASIR SALAK, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- A total of 100 boats participated in a 16-kilometre water procession along Sungai Perak in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations, showcasing the river’s vast potential as a tourist attraction and a source of economic opportunities for local communities.
The boats were adorned with the Jalur Gemilang and the Perak state flag, presenting a striking display of patriotism during the event.
Pasir Salak Community Development Department (KEMAS) chairman Ramelle Ashram Ramli said the event, held for the first time in collaboration with the Perak State Fisheries Department, brought together communities from 13 villages, including inland fishermen and local residents.
“We took about a month to prepare for this event, which brought the local community together for a one-and-a-half-hour journey from Kepala Pulau Jetty to Sungai Buaya.
“Apart from celebrating Malaysia Day, we want to use this event as a platform to promote Sungai Perak’s tourism potential and give visitors a glimpse of the local community’s way of life,” he said when met by reporters at Kepala Pulau Jetty here today.
Ramelle Ashram said the programme also aimed to highlight the role of the inland fishing community, with about 300 families living within the parliamentary constituency.
“Through this event, we hope to highlight the role of the local inland fishing community and help create opportunities for them to improve their socio-economic well-being,” he said.
Ramelle Ashram expressed hope that the boat procession would become an annual event, with wider participation from government agencies and the programme growing in scale in the future.
He suggested that the relevant authorities and industry players make greater use of social media to promote the area and attract more visitors to the riverside areas along Sungai Perak.
He said the area offered a range of attractions, including homestays with a traditional kampung atmosphere and the Pasir Salak Historical Complex, which could be further promoted to tourists.
--BERNAMA