KUALA TERENGGANU: A civil servant took a year to complete an 80m dragon "wau" (kite), which required the strength of 15 adult men to fly.

       Kuala Terengganu City Council operations assistant Syed Mizan Syed Ahmad, 40, said although the process of making the kite took a long time and was challenging, it was rewarding to see it up in the air and attracting the attention of the public.

       "The cost of making this wau was more than RM1,500. I am no expert, I just have a bit of skill and learnt the process of making it on YouTube. Finally, this dragon kite is completed and can be flown perfectly," he told Bernama on Sunday (March 27).

       The kite was flown at the drawbridge square in conjunction with the Terengganu Entrepreneur Carnival 2022 here Sunday.

       Among the main materials needed to make the dragon wau were hemp fibres specially purchased from Indonesia, bamboo and paper, he said.

       "The body of the wau is made using fibre while the head is made of bamboo. The design is unique, attractive and looks strong when flown in the air," said Syed Mizan, who has been interested in the traditional pastime since childhood.

       Syed Mizan said to fly the kite perfectly, it needed the help of many people because if wrongly executed, it would not rise.

       "This is the second dragon kite I made after successfully flying my first wau in February last year. It was very challenging but the passion got me through," he said.

       He hoped his efforts could raise the prestige of the traditional pastime, although it was produced with innovations to attract the attention of the younger generation.

       "Many youths from Kampung Raja Chendering and Kampung Tok Dir in Marang are increasingly interested in dragon kites. Its making requires diligence and determination because even a small mistake can disrupt its smooth flying in the air.

       "Although it is not an ordinary traditional kite, it can at least inspire them to engage in more beneficial activities to fill their free time," he said.

       Syed Mizan said he was also ready to make a dragon kite show on any programme so that it could be enjoyed by more people. - Bernama