KOTA BARU: For the past 45 years, a field at Jalan Telipot, here, has been the spot where multiracial locals with a unique hobby have congregated regularly.
Padang Bon Sri Aman is a gathering place for burung candik (bird-singing) competition fans, comprising Malaysians of Malay, Chinese and Siamese descent.
The competition is held twice a week on Fridays and Saturdays, and has been ongoing since 1975.
Azhar Azman, 34, said it was initially a hobby to fill his free time after hectic days at work, but the activity has since become a tradition for locals to strengthen bonds of friendship.
"The interest in rearing (the singing birds) and contesting in burung candik is unique because we are not doing it for money, but rather to establish bonds of friendship.
"The prizes are only essentials, such as food hampers, handful of cash, and kitchen appliances from (competition) sponsors.
"What's more important is that members of the multiracial community get to meet every week and get to know each other better," he said when met today at the Burung Candik Seni Suara contest Datuk Paduka Azham Damiri Cup.
He said the competition this week is different, as it is Merdeka-themed, and the historical field is decorated with the Jalur Gemilang, and flags have been inserted in bird cages.
"This celebration makes me proud as a Malaysian for playing a role in maintaining the harmony between the races.
"I am glad to have Malay and Siamese friends, young and old, who are also interested in keeping and contesting in burung candik, which is a traditional Malay competition," he said.
Kaimi, a 33-year-old Siamese, said his hobby has helped him bond with the Malay and Chinese community.
He said his friends also gave him a Malay name, Aki, after he began keeping burung candik, five years ago.
"We have no problem getting along, and I really like listening to burung candik singing, so I take part in the competition whenever I am free.
"We must all be free from racism and celebrate and defend our nation's independence," he said.
Tai Kwee Seong, 68, said he has been part of the burung candik competition since he was young and witnessing the harmonious relationship among the various races has made him want to safeguard the country's peace.
"Not only does it help to reduce stress and fatigue of working, the hobby also lets us hang out and exchange opinions with friends," said the father-of-two and grandfather-of-three.
Meanwhile, competition organiser and Kota Baru Candik owners' association president, Mohd Sapri Ibrahim, 56, said 50 candik fans and 160 birds were part of today's contest.
"Decisions were made by four judges in four rounds based on the birds' singing.
"The theme of Merdeka was chosen to cultivate patriotism among players, besides appreciating the friendly relationship among multiracial burung candik fans," he said.