A dazzling display of fireworks at Dataran Putra at the Lumut Jetty set the stage for the return of the vibrant Pesta Laut Pangkor, after a hiatus of more than 15 years.
The festival which was held from Dec 9 to 10, had been given a facelift and featured a slew of exciting activities that gathered a large crowd from all over Manjung district and Perak as a whole. It was previously known as Pesta Laut Lumut.
Kickstarting the three-day festival was an ice-carving competition in which six ice sculptors tried their best to wow the judges with their skills and statues. There was also a mocktail-making competition.
Curious: A visitor looks into a missile launcher at the Royal Malaysian Navy booth.
Booths were set up by various government agencies to add to the cheer.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said he felt nostalgic when launching the festival last Friday.
“I am sure many would remember the times when we walked along the shore during Pesta Laut Lumut.
“Due to changing times, we have decided to brand it as Pesta Laut Pangkor,” he said.
Dr Zambry, who is also Pangkor assemblyman, said Pangkor Island is known all over the world and is listed in travel guides.
The festival, with its new name, would draw the attention of more international visitors, he said.
Work in progress : An ice-carver using a chainsaw to carve an ice sculpture.
“This is the first step in reviving the beloved festival and we aim to make it an annual event synonymous with Pangkor and Lumut.
“Various activities such as speedboat racing and community-based competitions like catching ducks in the sea and pole-climbing will slowly be introduced.
“These are the efforts that will rekindle the camaraderie between everyone, bring them together for a joyful celebration,” he said.
State Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Hamidah Osman said the festival would be held over a week starting from next year compared to the three days this time around.
“The state government and Manjung District Council are looking to tap into the full tourism potential of Pangkor and Lumut with this festival.
“We are targeting two million visitors each year as we continue to push this festival to the national level,” she said.
