| Achong Tanjong |
OVER 350 bird lovers from Borneo (Kalimantan, Indonesia, Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei Darussalam) participated in the 3rd Borneo Bird Song and Style Competition organised by Sunkist Birds and Team at the parking lot of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday.
Acting Deputy Director of Youth and Sports, Pengiran Anak Mohd Sofian bin Pengiran Anak Haji Ibrahim officially launched the event and presented prizes to the winners.
Martini binti Miamit, Chairperson of the event, said the competition was held in conjunction with the 34th National Day Celebration and in collaboration with Kelab Komuniti Belia Transformasi (KKBT) of the Youth and Sports Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Brunei Tourism Board.
She said the competition aimed to introduce and promote interest in singing birds. It is also served as a platform to foster closer ties among bird lovers and for bird lovers to share knowledge and experiences.
The competition was divided into five categories – Burung Murai Batu Kepala Hitam, Burung Murai Batu Kepala Putih, Burung Murai Kampong (MK), Burung Suit Mata Putih Local (Pleci) and Burung Suit Mata Putih Open (Pleci).
The first prize winner received $200 followed by the second prize winner with $150 and third prize winner with $100. The top three winners also received certificates of participation and a trophy.
Other participants of different categories also received prizes.
The chairperson added that some of the competing birds are found locally and while others were imported from Malaysia and Indonesia.
She hoped that more people, especially local youths, will be involved with the hobby. The Indonesia team was represented by Indonesia Kicau Mania (IKM) comprising members residing and working in Brunei.
The competition was judged based on sounds, style and endurance while the bird cage and health were added to the point collection. The six local judges took into account cages and overall health of the birds.
The competition was also held to identify bird species in the country to ensure that they do not go extinct. It also sought to enliven the 34th National Day Celebration.