KUANTAN: R. Shangkara and his friend R. Rakulan were the centre of attraction when they arrived for a mass circumcision ceremony at the Mara Higher Skills College here today.
The duo, clad in baju Melayu and songkok, were in high spirits as they joined a group of Muslim friends at the waiting area before some of the boys later helped them tie the sampin.
The boys took part in a brief traditional ceremony, which included a kompang procession and a special "shower" courtesy of the Fire and Rescue Department.
Later, they walked over to a hall and patiently waited for their turns as some 30 doctors carried out the procedure.
Nine-year-old Rakulan said his father R. Rajakumar, 37, had encouraged him to participate in the event and spoke to him about the benefits of circumcision.
"My father underwent a similar procedure when he was my age and told me it is done for hygienic reasons. It will also keep me away from certain diseases.
"I am not scared and I have heard a lot about the procedure from my friends," he said, as he tentatively stepped into the hall.
Meanwhile, Shangkara, 11, said many of his classmates were surprised when he filled in the form for the circumcision ceremony at school before the holidays.
The SK Fakeh Abdul Samad student said when he consulted his mother about the matter; she agreed and even encouraged him to join.
"She told me that circumcision is not about religion but more of personal hygiene. A doctor had previously advised me to undergo the procedure as I was facing difficulty when passing urine," he said.
Meanwhile, his mother V. Maryamal, 39, said she had consulted her Muslim working colleagues about the circumcision procedures and felt it was good for her son.
"He was excited about the ceremony but appeared a little nervous today asking me if it will be very painful. I assured him that everything will be fine and now I am relieved that everything went on smoothly," said the dialysis assistant who works at a hospital here.
Meanwhile, Paya Besar MP Datuk Seri Abdul Manan Ismail said the programme was held for the first time with the assistance from the armed forces and state health department.
He said the cost for the procedure was sponsored by the Paya Besar parliament office and some 500 boys from 30 schools in the district participated in the programme.