‘KOTA JERAMI’ ADDS DISTINCTIVE FEATURE TO PAT PERLIS 2026

By Nurul Syahirah Zulkifli

KANGAR, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- The Pesta Angin Timur (PAT) Perlis 2026 is drawing visitors with a fresh attraction through the introduction of a mini zoo concept set amid stacked hay bales featuring straw sculptures, known as ‘Kota Jerami’.

Perlis National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director Shahrizal Abdan said this feature offers a more interactive experience as visitors not only can view the straw sculptures entered for a competition, but  they could get up close to small animals and reptiles.

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“Among the animals placed in the petting zoo-themed area are rabbits as well as several reptile species specially brought in by the mini zoo operator,” he told Bernama at PAT Perlis 2026 at Dataran Kangar Jaya here today.

The three-day festival, which began yesterday, is jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, JKKN, and the Perlis state government to promote the state’s cultural uniqueness and heritage, in support of the Visit Perlis Year 2024-2026 campaign and Visit Malaysia 2026.

Shahrizal said the initiative ensures that Kota Jerami, which is managed in collaboration with the Perlis Artists Association, goes beyond being a conventional straw sculpture exhibition by transforming it into a family-friendly space that blends educational and recreational elements.

Nearly 20 local participants are taking part in this year’s straw sculpture competition, presenting a variety of creative and distinctive designs.

“This approach also reflects the aspiration of State Secretary Datuk Rahimi Ismail to introduce distinctive features that can attract more visitors to cultural programmes in the state,” he said, adding that tickets per entry to the ‘Kota Jerami’ area is priced at RM1.

Meanwhile, a visitor Jariah Che Ain, 56, from Kampung Kok Klang, Chuping said the straw sculptures brought back fond memories of rural padi field life in the northern region. 

“Seeing the straw reminds me of village life in the past, but today people are far more creative in producing interesting sculptures. This is my second visit and I really enjoyed it,” she said. 

Another visitor from Jitra, Kedah, Mohd Firdaus Ahmad, 34, said he made the trip to Perlis after learning about ‘Kota Jerami’ through social media and spent his Saturday at the festival with his family.

“With tickets priced at only RM1, it is definitely worth it for families. The children are delighted as they can see animals such as goats and snakes, in addition to viewing the ‘orang-orang’ straw sculptures,” he added.

-- BERNAMA