Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival Draws Participants From 36 Countries

PASIR GUDANG (Johor, Malaysia), Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival, the world's biggest annual kite festival, saw participation from 836 kite enthusiasts from 36 countries. State Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Hoo Seong Chang said the festival continues to attract increased participation every year, with three new countries joining this year. "Russia, Ukraine and Zambia are first-timers in the festival and more countries are showing interest in future events," he said at the launch of the festival by the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. Also present was Johor Chief Minister Abdul Ghani Othman. The five-day festival which began on Feb 20 and ends Sunday in Bukit Layang-Layang, here, was also joined by 236 international kite flyers and 600 locals comprising national kite flyers and students. Various events are also lined up during the festival, including kite workshops by foreign and local kite flyers, an illuminated kite show at night and performances by local artistes. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA