By William Isau
SIBU, Aug 22: A total of 1,717 participants from 59 schools in Saratok have made the district proud by creating a new Malaysia Book of Record entry for the longest non-stop ‘syair’ (Malay poems) recitation for 60 hours.
The previous record of 50 hours was set by Sabah from Sept 4 to 6, 2007 at Anjung Santai Hall, organised by the Sabah Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
The participants spent three days and two nights to be recognised for the award.
The participants recited the poem not only in Bahasa Malaysia but also in English, Mandarin, and Iban.
Malaysia Book of Record office manager Lee Pooi Leng presented the certificate to Saratok deputy education department director Alhias Muhi at the district-level Teachers’ Day celebration today witnessed by Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri.
In this speech, Mohamad Duri commended the participants for setting a new record.
“In achieving the new record, they have achieved many benefits such as fostering closer rapport and uniting the participants from the various races as one Keluarga Malaysia,” he said.
He added that as the event took place during Merdeka Month, it is in line with the theme of ‘Keluarga Malaysia. Teguh Bersama’. — DayakDaily
