Perak folk tales book in pipeline

By S. ISTA KYRA | news@nst.com.my

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