‘Eco-Dragon’ enters Malaysia Book of Records

Wee (second right) showing the MBOR certificate for longest installation of a dragon statue made from recycled materials presented by MBOR personnel while Dr Sim (right), MBKS deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili (left) and others look on. Seen on the top right are the Eco-Dragon head which was made from mainly plastic bottles.

KUCHING, Jan 21: The White Cat Garden of Kuching’s new companion ‘Eco-Dragon’ enters the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the longest installation of a dragon statue made from recycled materials.

The installation, which is 60cm in diameter with a total length of 18.8 metres, was made by 400 members from Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia (Kuching) who spent 1,500 hours arranging 2,271 pieces of plastic bottles, 2,000 pieces of compact discs, 415 pieces of aluminum cans, and parts from two closed-circuit televisions.

The 18.8-metre length also serves to commemorate Kuching’s elevation to city status on Aug 1, 1988.

Speaking to reporters after the lighting up ceremony of the ‘Eco-Dragon’ statue, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian acknowledged the efforts by Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia (Kuching) in erecting the statue from recycled materials.

He said it shows that recycled materials can be turned into a beautiful piece of art.

“It is also in line with one of Sarawak’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) frameworks in addressing environmental challenges and sustainability,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the installation of the Eco-Dragon statue is part of the council’s efforts to provide a sense of belonging within the local community.

He also expressed his gratitude to Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia (Kuching) for its members’ efforts in making the statue. — DayakDaily