KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia launched its two-month long "Photo Challenge 2021" competition, which will see participants competing for prizes of up to RM80,000 worth of holiday packages and photography equipment.

       Open for participation to Malaysians aged 18 and above and running until Feb 11, 2022, the competition features four categories, which are 'Extreme Shot', 'Nature, Arts and Culture', 'Human Interest', as well as 'Past and Present'.

       Tourism Malaysia Director-General Datuk Zainuddin Abdul Wahab said that the competition is free of charge and participants are free to use any type of camera deemed suitable to capture their preferred images.

       "As such, we expect an encouraging participation rate, not to mention the rather long competition duration which is meant to provide more opportunities for photography lovers to plan their trips in exploring tourism destinations in the country along with their artistic and cultural uniqueness," he said at the launch held at AEON AU2 Setiawangsa on Saturday (Dec 11).

       " For each category, there'll be first, second and third-place prize winners, as well as three consolation prize recipients," he added in his launching speech.

       Zainuddin added that Photo Challenge 2021 is also aimed at unearthing photography talents besides instilling creativity and a sense of love for the country among Malaysians.

       "The art of photography goes closely with the tourism sector. Thus, we're able to encourage members of the public to go for a vacation and enjoy their holidays in Malaysia via interesting images shot by the best," he added. - Bernama