KUCHING: The Merdeka sculpture competition, organised by the Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN) Kapit Division, added excitement to the National Month celebration here.
Decorations and sculptures were created by members of the Rukun Tetangga Community (KRT) to beautify their respective longhouses while commemorating the occasion.
The competition, which started in early August, aimed to fuel the spirit of patriotism in the community, in addition to giving KRT members the opportunity to explore ideas and creativity, especially in designing sculptures.
“Creativity and ideas in designing this sculpture can be as a side income to the community, for example in Seremban, an ex-soldier was able to generate income by selling sculptures from used tires,” said Kapit Division unity officer Jendri Mangku.
“Therefore, apart from us being able to enliven the National Month celebration, we are trying to promote the talents of the community, especially the KRT members.
“All the entries that are judged have to meet the competition criteria and this had made it difficult for the jury to choose the winner,” said Kapit District information officer Mohd Saufi Omar, who is also the head of the competition jury.
“However, the added value provided by a number of KRT mainly from the aspect of additional decoration and the use of appropriate colour combinations distinguished each entry.
“This kind of competition is very beneficial because apart from us being able to promote the celebration of the National Month, the community can find out information related to the use, layout, how to install the flag correctly,” he said.
The results of the competition will be announced during the Kapit Division’s Malaysia Day do which will be held on Sept 14, starting at 7pm at the Kapit Auditorium.
