Alor Gajah - Villagers of Kampung Seri Tanjung in Masjid Tanah here have something extra to cheer about Hari Raya as their village made it into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) with the most number of pelita (oil lamps) in the country.
The feat was achieved when more than 700 villagers together their friends and relatives worked in tandem to place 40,000 oil lamps on every path in the village over five days.
MBR representative Ricky Yap, who was present to evaluate the record, said that Kampung Seri Tanjung broke the previous record set by Sunway Pyramid Shopping Complex with 30,000 oil lamps in 2005.
“The villagers` effort paid off. It was inspiring and challenging as it was done during the puasa period before Hari Raya,” said Yap, who later presented a MBR declaration certificate on the record to Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.
Village headman Mohd Yusof Salleh said some villagers were anxious two days before the evaluation as there were many houses yet to have their pelita set up.
“We managed to overcome this through encouragement. Everyone put in extra efforts and worked hand in hand to get the job done,” he said, adding that each village home was given 120 oil lamps which were set up around village in gotong royong style.
Mohd Ali complimented the villagers for their achievement in making the village a tourist attraction and a home-stay site with well-maintained Malay homes in a typical village setting.
“The achievement suits the state`s goal of becoming a city of lights. The brightly lit area creates a nostalgic feeling in visitors during Raya festivities,” he added.
Farah Nur Diyana Md Zin, 11, and Fikree Zakwan Mohd Famee, 12, who helped their parents put up the lamps, said they were excited to see the village turned into a sea of lights.
“It looked beautiful with so many oil lamps and I wish I can do it again next year,” said Fikree Zakwan
Alor Gajah Municipal Council and Petronas assisted the village by sponsoring the kerosene and lamps. By ALLISON LAI
Source: http://thestar.com.my (October 08, 2008)