PENDANG: The unusual dry spell heat brought by the El-Nino phenomenon has challenged a group of traditional kite-flying enthusiasts from Kampung Panchor here to be creative in enjoying their favourite activity during the padi harvesting season.
They finally came up with a solution to instal LED lights on their 'wau bulan' and fly the kites at night to avoid the blistering heatwave during the dry spell that coincides with this year's Ramadan.
"At times, the evening heat during this year's dry spell is unbearable, so we decided to try flying the kites at night instead as it is much cooler.
"By doing so, we will get longer flying hours as compared to just an hour between 6.30pm and 7.30pm," said Muhammad Firdaus Ahmad, 26, one of the kite fliers.
To make their kites visible during the night, Firdaus said they decided to install colourful LED lights on the handmade-kites.
"Each LED light only cost about RM2, so the additional cost depends on how many lights we want to install on the kite while the batteries can last up to four days," he said.
He said they have about up to 40 kite fliers taking part in the activity which attracts hundreds of spectators from neighbouring villages during the weekend.
Following the overwhelming response, Firdaus said they would continue flying the kites during the Hari Raya festive season.
Meanwhile, Kampung Panchor Community deputy chairman Mohamad Mohd Saad, 65, supported the traditional kite-flying activity as it helps keep the youths from illegal activities such as motorcycle racing.
"Not only it is a safer hobby for the youths, it also helps to attract kite fliers and spectators from nearby villages such as Kampung Bechah, Kampung Charok Kudung and Kampung Bukit Kechil to our village," he said.
Mohamad added that many Kampung Panchor villagers residing in other states had expressed excitement to be back for the Hari Raya celebrations after seeing pictures and