TANJUNG MALIM, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Unique and lively - aptly described the state-level Kita MADANI Carnival held here today with visitors arriving in traditional attire representing their respective ethnic groups to celebrate National Day this month.
Visitor Lydia Patrick, 42, who wore the traditional Ulu Sarawak attire, said she and her daughter donned the traditional outfits because of the carnival's theme, noting that it would seem out of place to wear such attire on a regular day.
"This outfit is something I usually wear for special occasions but today I saw it as an opportunity to showcase it to Malaysians in the peninsula, especially since this month is National Month, which adds to the enthusiasm," said Lydia, who is a public servant.
A clerical administrative assistant at Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah, Bethney Mudin, 47, commented that this year's Kita MADANI Carnival in Perak was unique with its theme of traditional attire to celebrate National Day.
"I see that everyone wearing the traditional ethnic attire is proud of the diversity and uniqueness of their costumes. Certainly, a theme like this will attract more Malaysians to attend the MADANI programme," said the woman, who was clad in a Kadazan Dusun attire.
Meanwhile, State Communications, Multimedia and Non-governmental Organisation Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said that this year's Kita MADANI Carnival in Perak was different due to the involvement of several government agencies from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
"Among the agencies involved are the National Planetarium, the Department of Chemistry, and the National Science Centre, which are running various programmes and activities over these two days, catering to all age groups from pre-schoolers, teenagers, veterans and the elderly.
"This programme offers significant benefits to the community as it helps them understand government initiatives. We can see various agencies gathered here, which makes it easier for the public to handle matters related to these agencies," he said after officiating the two-day carnival today.
Also present were Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, who is Tanjung Malim Member of Parliament and Perak Information Department (JaPen) director Yosri Abu Mahsin.
-- BERNAMA
