ARAU – After not being held physically for two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pesta Angin Timur (PAT) makes a comeback, from March 3 to 5, at Kampung Sungai Padang, Simpang Empat, in Perlis.

One of the residents, fisherman Mohd Zaini Ahmad, 56, said that the Perlis public had missed the excitement of the sporting event, and was keenly awaiting PAT’s return.

“We have missed the festival, which is not only to have some fun but it also serves to strengthen unity among the various races in the state,” he told Bernama here today.

“It is really exciting, and this is the first time our village (Kampung Sungai Padang) has been chosen as the site for PAT2023.”

He said he and other villagers are eagerly waiting for the programme’s return, especially the sporting events such as the fishing competition, catching ducks, tug-of-war competition, and so on, because these events could further strengthen the bonds of friendship between all walks of life, regardless of race, religion or political beliefs.

Food trader, Mohd Muhaimin Ab Nasir, 30, shares Mohd Zaini’s sentiments too. He said small traders were waiting for PAT2023, as it would be a big opportunity for them to boost their income.

“I have made early booking by securing a stall at the site to sell drinks and satay, hoping this will increase my income,” said the father of two.

Mohd Muhaimin said he had only recently moved to Perlis, and this programme was an opportunity to build a career for him, from being a fisherman to a food trader.

Meanwhile, university graduate, Nur Farahani Abdullah, 25, said that PAT2023 will provide a new and more lively atmosphere to the people of this state after the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to cheering up the people here with community sports.

“It is the children who would be most thrilled with PAT2023, and the programme will also help to instill togetherness among the children through these community games, which seems to have been forgotten by the new generation today,” she said.

Additionally, she said, PAT2023 can also give an experience to tourists to soak up the village life atmosphere.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, PAT2021 was held online, while PAT2022 was organised in a hybrid manner and received a good response both from the local community and foreign tourists.

PAT2023 is the 11th edition, and a yearly programme of the Perlis government to attract tourists to the state.

The annual festival is also aimed at reviving the uniqueness of the local arts and traditional heritage. – Bernama / pic credit: Jkkn Perlis