Lining up are (from right) Councillor Bruce Chai, Hii, Ten, Lau, Lee and others holding giant kites to launch the Giant Kite Flying Carnival.
One of the enthusiasts flying a kite trailing 1,000 metres at the show.
MIRI: The 17-day Giant Fancy Kite Flying Carnival which started on Friday at the project site of Senadin Water Theme Park is attracting crowds of thousands in its wake.
It is organised by local entertainment company Vision Entertainment Group, which has planned interesting activities for the carnival with the highlight being the Giant Kite Flying Show.
Aficionados who took part in the Borneo International Kite Festival in Bintulu, including those from China, also took to the skies with spectacular giant kites.
Members of the public had the opportunity to fly their own kites during the carnival.
Apart from the fun-filled activities, there is also a trade expo selling merchandise such as clothing, bags, foods, drinks, cars, game corners for kids, housing, Astro displays and many others.
Two prominent businessmen here, Datuk Hii King Chiong who heads United People Party (UPP) Miri region and chairman of Miri Housing and Meritz Hotel, Datuk Professor Lau Siu Wai were invited to launch the carnival yesterday.
Organising chairman Ten Chu Kiong said he was keen to make this event an annual one.
Ten said they wanted to synchronise with Miri City Council (MCC) to put this event into May Fest’s Calendar of Events next year.
Being a crowd-puller, the carnival can ramp up the Miri May Fest with more colour.
Later at the same function, Hii said the kite-flying carnival is a magnet for expert kite-makers who thrill the mammoth crowd of visitors and tourists.
Apart from the display of giant kites were of various interesting activities throughout the carnival such as remote control speedboat race, Nitro Buggy On-Road Borneo Open challenge, Mr Festival 2015, tug-of-war competition and singing performances among others.
“As we enjoy all the fun and leisure, let us not forget the importance of public safety and political stability.
“We must work together with the police and other relevant authorities to tackle the ever-increasing crime rate. Political parties and interest groups should team up, put people first and strive for greater stability and security.”
He praised Lau for being a Miri pioneer in house construction as an excellent model entrepreneur who plays a huge part in the transformation of Miri from a sleepy village into the big city it has become today.
“Today, we are stepping on yet another of his mega project site, the Senadin Water Theme Park. We will soon boast an international-standard theme-park which will surely enhance the image of Miri Resort City.”
Also present were political secretary to the chief minister, Suzanne Lee Tze Ha and Miri councillors.
An ‘I Love Miri’ kite at the carnival.
Members of the public showing keen interest in snapping up colourful giant kites on sale.