JEMPOL: Finding ‘Badang’, the legendary strongman from the Malay folklore, was among the unique activities organised by the Kampung Dato Johan Village Community Management Council (MPKK), held in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations today.
Its chairman Mohd Fauzi Zakaria said participants were required to pull a tractor before they could be crowned as Badang.
He said residents came up with the idea to replace the tug-of-war contest that had become common in various community programmes.
"Nine groups, comprising 11 participants, were required to pull a 1.2-tonne tractor used to plough land.
"Also participating in the competition were five groups of female participants who did not want to miss the opportunity to showcase their strength," he said at Wisma WI (Women's Group) here.
The programme was launched by Jempol district officer Mas Midyawan Yahya. Also present was Tekun Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer, Eddy Noriswan Ismail.
Mohd Fauzi said participants were required to pull the tractor for a distance of 15 meters, and the winner was determined based on the fastest time to complete the feat.
He said other activities included climbing nearby Bukit Bunga, coconut grating, coconut bowling and a birds attraction contest.
Nor Shidah Isa, 38, said this was the first time she had participated in a tractor-pulling competition.
She said although the competition was conducted in groups, she still had to use her strength to the fullest to move the tractor, and was happy when her group won in the women’s category.
Zailiniza Zainal Abidin, 39, said the programmes at this year’s Malaysia Day celebration were unique and different from previous ones.
"Finding Badang was among the exciting events for the young and the elderly,"she added.