10,000 Local, Foreign Enthusiasts To Gather For Reggae Festival In Malaysia's Perak

IPOH (Perak, Malaysia), Aug 13 (Bernama) -- The two-day 'TT5 Dredge 1st International Reggae Festival', beginning Sept 2, at TT5 Dredge in Tanjung Tualang here is expected to attract about 10,000 reggae enthusiasts worldwide. Perak Public Utilities, Infrastructure, Energy and Water Committee chairman Zainol Fadzi Paharudin said the inaugural reggae festival organised by the People of Remarkable Talents (PORT), together with the Malaysia International Reggae Society had gained support from the state government's Menteri Besar Incorporated (MB Inc). Zainol Fadzi, who is also a member of the PORT board of directors, said in line with the state government's efforts, the goal of the festival was to promote 'Visit Perak Year 2017' and introduce TT5 Dredge as a tourism spot in the country. "Tanjung Tualang (in the northern state of Perak) is a historical place noted for its tin mining areas, using dredges. TT5 Dredge or 'The Last Dredges' is one of the few dredges that still have more than 90 per cent of its parts which are not affected," he said. In addition, he added, the festival themed, 'Drug-Free Music' with support from the National Anti-Drug Agency is also aimed at changing public perception of reggae music often associated with immoral values. Meanwhile, PORT general manager Zamari Muhyi said the public could watch the festival for free. The festival opens at between 8pm and 11pm, on Sept 2 while the following day, involves workshops with reggae bands which begin at 3pm, followed by the show's highlight at 8pm. Among local reggae bands involved in the festival are Poe & The Retired Stoners, Republic of Brickfields, Balok People, Sharpshooter, JA Gwaa, Redemption, Rasta Syndicate and Purevibracion. In addition, international bands will also enliven the festival, namely Jeck Pilpil & Peacepipe (Philippines), The Rhythm Hunter (Australia), Nu Reggae (Thailand), Clifftones (Sweden), One Planet (Australia) and Uncle B Reggae (Indonesia). -- BERNAMA