17/08/2025

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NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday AUG 17, 2025

Septuagenarian on Merdeka mission

Sand sculpture class highlight of art camp KUALA LUMPUR: A sand sculpture workshop, led by Malaysia’s only active sand sculptor Mohammad Ikhwan Ibrahim, was among the standout attractions at the Aswara International Art and Culture Camp (Asiac) held in Pulau Tioman from Aug 4 to 8. Fifteen participants comprising secondary school students and university undergraduates from Malaysia and abroad took on the challenge of crafting a sand sculpture depicting the legendary dragon head of Pulau Tioman, set against the scenic backdrop of Dataran Tekek beach. Mohammad Ikhwan, 35, who has over a decade of experience in sand sculpting, said the workshop was an excellent platform to introduce the craft, which remains relatively new in Malaysia. “Sand sculptures have the potential to become a unique beach tourism attraction for the country. It is not only a beautiful and captivating art form, but also environmentally friendly and distinctly Malaysian. “Sand sculpting offers more than just a fresh experience, it also fosters connections between participants from different cultural backgrounds. I hope programmes like this would continue to be organised in the future. Muhammad Zharfan Mohd Zamri, 22, from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan said physical strength was essential, as heavy loads of sand and water had to be carried repeatedly from the shoreline. “Patience is equally important. We worked under the scorching sun and sometimes had to rebuild when the sculpture collapsed. But all the hard work was worth it when the legendary Pulau Tioman dragon head was completed on the second day of the workshop,” he added. For Dyssie Melanny Donny, 21, from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, the knowledge and experience gained included learning the technique of mixing beach sand with seawater in the right proportions to ensure the structure was strong and stable. “I found that everyone had their own role, and teamwork was very important when building a large-sized sand sculpture,” she said. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Even at 75, Che Saad Nordin does not let age dim his spirit for cycling around Peninsular Malaysia as a way to ignite patriotic fervour in conjunction with the National Day celebrations. Che Saad, who is a former stringer for national news agency Bernama in Baling, Kedah, is now in Kulai, Johor after passing through Perak, Kelantan, Former journalist on solo pan-peninsula cycling expedition to spread patriotic spirit

Terengganu and Pahang since starting his solo cycling mission from Sanglang in Perlis on July 26. This year marks his 11th long distance ride since beginning the mission in 2015, undertaken both solo and in groups, averaging 70km to 80km a day on his trusty folding bicycle. He is expected to be in Malacca on Aug 31 to join the National Day celebrations before continuing his cycling mission to his next destination. When contacted by Bernama, Che Saad said cycling was his choice because it was the only means within his ability to deliver the message of patriotism. He also said it allows him to connect more closely with the community, as he

can interact directly with people at every stop along the way. Along his route, he stops at schools to meet students or at other locations, with the aim of distributing 1,000 Jalur Gemilang . “I want everyone who sees me cycling at this age while carrying the flag to remember the sacrifices of our national heroes, especially those who perished during the Emergency period from 1948 until Independence. “I still remember, as a teenager in Baling, passing through areas and locations where battles were fought against communist insurgents. I saw the bodies of fallen national heroes. That memory continues to fuel my spirit to this day. “Many rarely speak of their contributions anymore, so I hope that in this way, the message gets across,” he said. Recounting memorable experiences from his 11 years of cycling every August, Che Saad said he often receives a warm welcome from locals. “Some have accompanied me for several kilometres, while others have invited me into their homes for a drink and a short rest. Those are the moments that make me feel accepted and appreciated during my rides.” In sharing the secret to staying energetic in his golden years, Che Saad, a grandfather of nine, said he maintains a healthy diet by reducing sugar intake and cycles daily to keep fit, as he has practised for decades. “On every ride, I recite zikir (remembrance of God) to calm my heart and along the way, meeting old and new friends becomes a natural booster for me to keep going.” On how much longer he intends to continue his Merdeka rides, Che Saad said as long as his health allows, he would keep taking to the roads, carrying the Jalur Gemilang to every corner of the peninsula.

Che Saad makes it a point to tell schoolchildren he meets on his expedition about patriotism, while distributing Jalur Gemilang . – PIC FROM CHE SAAD NORDIN FACEBOOK PAGE

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