Treasure hunters raise funds for warriors
By Farrah Naz Karim
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A rousing performance by the Tambor platoon of the Royal Rangers 6th Regiment |
KUALA LUMPUR: The recent inaugural Pahlawan Challenge 2011 was not just another treasure hunt.
Participants, comprising seasoned hunters as well as beginners, went home not only with attractive prizes and goodies but also a wealth of information and knowledge about the armed forces and life as soldiers.
The motor hunt, which attracted some 50 cars, was organised by the Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV), in conjunction with Hari Pahlawan 2011 which falls on July 31.
Participants gathered at Wardieburn Camp in Setapak as early as 7am amid soldiers going about their morning routines.
For some, it was the first time that they had set foot in an army camp.
A surprise was in store.
Before the hunters were flagged off by JHEV director-general Maj-Gen (rtd) Datuk Zulkiflee Mazlan, they were treated to performances by the Tambor platoon of the Royal Rangers 6th Regiment under the command of Drum Sgt-Maj Kadir Jungaton.
The highlight was a ngajat dance by Staff Sgt Megoh Buso and Sgt Naga Mu who were dressed like Sarawak warriors.
The five-hour hunt first took the hunters to Setapak where they had to solve several questions.
The next stop was Tugu Negara, an iconic tourist attraction teeming with local and foreign tourists.
Some hunters admitted that many years had passed since their last visit to the monument while a few confessed that it was their first.
Erected in honour of fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country, particularly during World War II and the Malayan Emergency, hunters had to answer five questions relating to the monument, identified as the largest freestanding bronze sculptures grouping in the world.
They then proceeded to the Curve at Mutiara Damansara where a task awaited them.
Armed with Warriors Fund donation boxes provided by the organisers, participants were set loose on a donation drive.
Points were awarded based on the amount collected, with 10 points, the highest, given to those who managed to garner RM75 and above.
Hunters, eager to score the maximum points, cajoled and persuaded passers-by to donate, and in return, they were given hibiscus corsages.
However, hunters had to provide proof in the form of pictures taken with donors that they had indeed solicit the money.
A loud cheer erupted during the prize-giving ceremony later when it was announced that the hunters managed to collect RM5,000 for the fund.
"Not bad for a day's work," quipped a hunter.
The money and "treasures" submitted by hunters would be donated to families of former personnel of armed forces.
The hunt ended at the Royal Malaysian Air Force museum in Sungai Besi, another place of interest which would not have been visited by the hunters if not for the hunt.
Many were surprised to discover the museum had a wide range of exhibits like planes and helicopters on display.
Prizes were awarded to the top 15 teams, with old timers from the team which called themselves "Empat Ekor" emerging champions and going home with RM1,800 and the Minister of Defence's challenge trophy.
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| Empat Ekor team members are ecstatic after winning the Minister of Defence’s challenge trophy |
The prizes were presented by the Royal Malaysian Air Force chief Gen Tan Sri Rodzali Daud and Zulkiflee.
Zulkiflee, who was pleased with the good public response to the hunt, was already planning for next year's event.
To make it more exciting, he was toying with the idea of the hunt ending at the Lumut naval base in Perak.
Among the attractions in store are a night stay at the base and a shooting competition.
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