MELAKA: Flying kites has become a platform for former police officer Mohd Fadzil Ali, 62, to promote community crime prevention.
A retired Putrajaya police chief, Mohd Fadzil has combined his 21-year kite-flying hobby with efforts to strengthen ties between the police and the public.
As a member of the Johor Kite Association, he flies kites featuring police elements, such as motorcycle patrol units, police cars, and the Rakan Cop logo, which he orders from countries like New Zealand, China, and Indonesia.
"I have over 30 giant kites with police-themed designs, flown to promote law enforcement in line with this year's Police Day theme, 'Polis dan Masyarakat Berpisah Tiada,'" he told Bernama in Klebang today.
He has taken his mission global, participating in international kite festivals in nine countries, including France, India, Thailand, and Qatar.
Speaking at the Entrepreneur Carnival @ International Kite Festival Melaka 2024, which featured over 100 kite flyers from Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore, Mohd Fadzil said his goal is to challenge negative perceptions of Malaysian police, particularly among foreign communities.
Despite retirement, he plans to stay active in promoting this initiative at both domestic and international kite festivals.
He said that kite flying is valuable in uniting people across ethnicities and age groups, unlike views that it is an unproductive hobby.
"Kite flying fosters cultural exchange and connection, allowing participants to showcase diverse designs and techniques, including traditional kites or 'wau,'" he said.
The sport, he added, also teaches patience, as it depends on the right wind conditions and technique to control the kite effectively. – BERNAMA