KEMAMAN: A line of 1,180 fishing boats, adorned with the Jalur Gemilang, cruised for 100 kilometres from Kuala Dungun to Kuala Kemaman here today and right into the Guiness World Record for the longest boat procession.
This beats the old record of 670 boats on the River Thames, London, in 2012 in conjunction with the London Olympic Games.
The achievement was confirmed by Guinness World Record representative Fortuna Burke.
Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said it was proof of the fishermen’s resolve and perseverence in the spirit of Merdeka (Independence Day) which all Malaysians could emulate.
“Participating to enliven the independence month proves they are proud to be fishermen. They want to show their love for Malaysia to the world,” he told after the procession, at Kemaman Square here.Shabery said, in line with the Merdeka theme “Malaysia: Here, Where Love Begins“, they had proven they were capable of carving Malaysia’s name in a world record.
He hoped the success could become a new history not only to the fishing communities in Kemaman and Dungun, but also become the pride of Malaysians.
The 1,180 boats arrived at Kuala Kemaman at 12.30pm after starting their journey in Kuala Dungun at 7am. They were received by 15,000 spectators including tourists.
The programme’s secretariat chief, Mustafa Ab Rahman said the plan to gather 6,000 fishermen for the event organised by the ministry was started last year.
“After entering the Malaysian Book of Records with 248 boats last year, today we record a new history in Kemaman. Malaysians should also wave the Jalur Gemilang in the spirit of Merdeka,” he said. – BERNAMA