Monsoon Cup brings winds of change to residents

by New Straits Times on 18 Nov 2006 Pulau Duyong has seen many changes since the first Monsoon Cup a year ago brought the world to its doorstep.

The marina, managed by the Terengganu Heritage Bay Club, has been completed. It is a world-class facility, the likes of which the residents have only seen on television.

The villagers have seen a parade of famous faces in the past year, such as Jackie Chan, the Hong Kong movie star and director, and Ferrari boss Jean Todt. Todt even gave a motivational talk to students there, telling them there was no easy road to success. And Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan is expected at this year’s Monsoon Cup from Nov 29 to Dec 3.

However, the biggest change is in the minds of the villagers. Initially put off by the exclusivity of the yacht race, talks by local leaders have shown the villagers the benefits it can bring to their fishing community.

Now, they no longer shy away from visitors, especially foreigners. They welcome them warmly and are proud their island at the mouth of Sungai Terengganu is host to an event watched by a billion viewers on television.

Datuk Nasir Ibrahim, deputy chairman of the state Industrial Development and Tourism Committee, said: 'The first Monsoon Cup was a shock. No one knew how big and important the event was. Its prestige and sense of exclusivity made many people stand on the sidelines.

'But after we explained its importance for tourism and the economic opportunities it presents, they now understand its value.'

Residents were also critical because they felt shut out from the economic benefits of hosting the event.

'This year, however, there will be opportunities for them to do business. Stalls will be set up for them to sell items,' said Nasir, a member of the committee overseeing development in Pulau Duyong.

He said that in his capacity as Kuala Nerus Umno division chief, and Pulau Duyong falls in his Bukit Tunggal constituency, he had seen the villagers come around.

'Progress has been slow, but it is moving in the right direction,' he said.

The villagers, especially those involved in cottage industries, fishing and traditional boat-building, are talking about opportunities. Over the past couple of months, the authorities have been working with the islanders to clean the island.

'There is a sense of direction now. The villagers know what to expect. But no matter how much we put in, there will always be dissatisfaction. We will overcome the weaknesses as we go along. Perfection is our target,' said Nasir, who has had several meetings with villagers to fine-tune the preparations for the race and to take note of their complaints.

Daud Mohamad, 60, former state cycling coach, and a resident of Kampung Tanjung which overlooks Pulau Duyong, said that with such a major event expectations were high.

'Everything from preparation, protocol, security and even food and beverages need to be ready and adequate. Event manager T-Best Events will have its hands full to ensure that quality is not compromised.

'The role of the villagers is important. They are the unofficial welcoming committee.

'If they can organise events to showcase our traditions and customs, it will attract visitors.

'I was involved in major events before, and I can understand the problems. So, to get the people to understand the significance of the Monsoon Cup, they must get involved, directly or indirectly.'

T-Best Event chairman Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh said this year, spectators would get a closer look at the race at Pulau Duyong, unlike last year when they had to watch from Taman Shahbandar across Sungai Terengganu.