Perlis: Heavy rain yesterday evening left the Perlis East Wind Festival 2025 (PAT 2025) site in Kampung Lat Seribu, Tambun Tulang covered in thick mud but all 25 planned activities will continue, with some at new locations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli stated that due to the muddy conditions, certain events will be relocated. The modern kite show is now scheduled to take place at Dataran Lok 9 in Kuala Perlis, while the hot air balloon event will be held near the Perlis State Assembly Complex in Kangar. Other competitions, such as the Perlis asam pedas, tepung talam, pulut udang, bubur, and dodol contests, will occur at Yayasan Pok dan Kassim, Pengkalan Asam in Kangar. The tug-of-war contest is moved to the Kangar Industrial Training Institute, and the paramotor event will take place in an open field at Kangar Jaya.
Mohd Shukri noted that the Kenduri Rakyat (community feast) will proceed as planned at Kampung Lat Seribu since preparations are already complete. He invited everyone to enjoy the kurma daging feast, with 4,000 meal packs available for visitors. He also confirmed that other activities, including the padi field netball and volleyball matches, mud challenge, Perlis wau helang kite showcase, cycling on a plank, and the East Wind Run, will continue at Kampung Lat Seribu.
Now in its 13th edition, PAT 2025 spans three days, having commenced yesterday. The festival is organised collaboratively by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Perlis state government, and is managed by the National Department for Culture and Arts Perlis and the Perlis State Cultural Council.
Mohd Shukri remains optimistic that despite the necessary venue changes, the festival will continue to be engaging. The state government has issued an apology to those affected, including traders operating 170 business lots at the festival, acknowledging that the situation was beyond their control. He stated, “We sincerely apologise to everyone impacted. In such circumstances, we must all share the burden, be open-hearted and accept Allah’s will.” He also clarified that there will be no refunds for affected traders, as expenses for tents and other facilities have already been incurred.
Furthermore, Mohd Shukri confirmed that the PAT 2025 opening ceremony, which was to be officiated by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, has been cancelled due to the muddy conditions at the festival site.