SARATOK: Cahaya Sagu Hati Group was declared as the winner of the Saratok’s Pintu Gerbang Aidilfitri competition, with the group’s decorated gateway selected as the competition’s best.
Abang Azwan Abang Sarkawi represented the group to receive RM3,000 in cash prize. Meanwhile, Kampung Tanjung Hilir was named as the runner-up for the competition with the group led by Junaidi Bujang winning RM2,300.
Third place went to the Otai Masih Berbisa group, winning a prize of RM1,500. A total of eight groups participated in the competition each offering different decorations for their ‘pintu gerbang’.
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri who presented the prizes said the competition enlivened the Aidilfitri spirit, whereby it is an annual programme.
“Indeed, this has become an iconic event and tradition in Saratok every Aidilfitri season for decades. The celebration in Saratok is incomplete without this mandatory event.
“Thank you to everyone who took up the challenge to participate in the competition. I can say they (the decorated gateways) are all beautiful, they are all great. Insha-Allah, it will be continued next year,” he said.
He was speaking at the Kalaka Aidifitri open house programme at the SJKC Min Syn school hall.
Mohamad pointed out that one of the highlights this year is the theme ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’.
“I admit that this competition has undergone a shift since it started 26 years ago. This was from using kerosene lamps, then electricity, and now I believe it’s more modern.
“Because of this, we can see that the shapes, patterns, and decorations of the gateway this time have adapted to current developments,” he said.
At the same time, the Kalaka assemblyman said the competition showed the spirit of teamwork in building and decorating their respective gateways among the community.
“We must know that this cooperative and consensus-building attitude is what will guarantee the welfare of the community as we to continue to develop and progress together,” he added.
During the open house programme, a Raya karaoke competition was also held whereby Azri Hanapi from Kampung Mangut was crowned as winner.
Meanwhile, Saratok participant Noorashikin Sakedar, managed to secure the runner-up position, and Taha Arifin from Kabong won third place.
