PULL-FACTOR: More than 100 stories compiled
IPOH:
PERAK Tourism plans to publish a compilation of the state's Malay folk tales
and distribute 50,000 free copies to the public by the first quarter of next
year.
State
Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Hamidah Osman said the move was aimed at
creating another pull-factor for the state's tourism industry. She estimated
the cost to be about RM100,000.
"There
are over 100 folk tales, originating from the state's various villages and
districts, each which has its own distinct attraction.
"Local
tourism industry players can take advantage by promoting destinations with its
popular stories and add value to tourism packages," she said after
launching the Perak Book Fest 2012 here yesterday.
Hamidah said
the folk tales were derived from the stories, myths and legends repeated from
generation to generation in various villages and districts across the state.
"Featured
places include Teluk Intan, Batu Gajah and Tapah and sometimes involve
characters such as 'Pak Kaduk' from the nation's 'Cerita Rakyat'."
She added
that a group of students from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) had worked since
2010 on the project to collect and record the folk tales from 10 districts.
"The
material is now being edited for compilation by Persatuan Karyawan Perak."
She said the
first round of publication would be made in Bahasa Malaysia and would later be
translated into English.
"There
are also plans to collect folk tales from the Chinese and Indian communities to
increase diversity in the compilation."
Earlier,
Hamidah officiated the book launch of 25 Perak-born writers, including Bukit Gantang-
born poet, lyricist and actor, Mohd Supyan Abd Rahman, or more fondly known as
Pyanhabib, who has published a compilation of his writings and poems since the
1970s in Balada Pyanhabib.
Housewife-turned-children
and teen's book writer, Rahmaniah Kantan, 47, from Teluk Intan, also released
her 10th novel entitled Di Sini Kasihku.
Hamidah also
announced a RM10,000 allocation to buy the books from all 25 writers to be
placed in some 100 libraries in the state.
Photo: State
Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Hamidah Osman (left) listening to writer Mohd
Supyan Abdul Rahman, whose book ‘Balada Pyanhabib’ was launched at the Perak
Book Fest 2012. Also present is state Library board of directors member Zabidin
Hj Ismail. Pic by Supian Ahmad
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